Canvas

A very durable, versatile fabric

Canvas is perhaps the most versatile fabric in our range. Because it is an exceptionally strong, tear-resistant fabric that can withstand almost any weather conditions, canvas is very versatile. There are various practical applications for which the fabric is widely used, such as painters' canvases, sailcloth, bags, tents, photo frames, as upholstery or as a fabric to embroider. However, canvas is also suitable as a fashion fabric. The fabric is used, among other things, to make pants and shoes. Canvas is heavier than linen, which has a similar appearance, but is even stronger. Clothing made from canvas, therefore, lasts a very long time.

Traditionally, hemp fibers were used for the production of canvas. The word "canvas" is derived from the ancient Greek word "kannabis," which literally means "made of hemp." Nowadays, however, it is  possible to make the fabric from cotton or linen. All the canvas in our range is made of 100 percent cotton, making it a natural, durable fabric. But perhaps even more importantly, the fabrics are slightly less stiff, making them better suited to clothing. What is special about canvas is that the fabric is woven in a plain weave. Fabrics that are woven to be as strong as canvas are usually woven in a twill weave.

Due to the combination of its sturdy, durable character and the relatively heavy weight of canvas, the fabric is mainly used in the fashion industry to make pants. However, it is certainly also possible to make jackets, blazers, coats, and shirts from the fabric. For some shoe manufacturers, canvas is a basic material, especially for sneakers. It is also possible to make bags, backpacks, and hats from canvas. Even when used specifically as a clothing fabric, canvas is one of the most versatile fabrics we know.

Canvas as a fashion fabric

Canvas has not actually been used for clothing for very long. In ancient times, the fabric was already being used, but mainly for practical purposes. The almost indestructible strength of the material lent itself excellently to applications in construction and shipbuilding. Because the fabric was still made entirely of hemp fibers at that time, many people found canvas too heavy and stiff to use for clothing. Instead, silk, wool, and linen were mainly used, with linen and silk in ancient times usually reserved for the nobility. Linen provided cooling in hot regions, such as ancient Egypt.

In the 8th century, the Saracens and Moors brought cotton from North Africa to Europe. Cotton immediately became a popular material for various purposes. In the centuries that followed, it grew into perhaps the most popular of all clothing fabrics, but there were several weaving mills that used cotton to weave it in the same way as traditional canvas. For example, it is known that there were ships in Barcelona and Venice with cotton sails. In the shipbuilding industry, canvas has now been almost completely replaced by synthetic fabrics. However, for making clothing, cotton canvas is an excellent alternative to linen if it is too light or cold.

When you thinks of canvas, you probably imagine a white or beige fabric. However, canvas can be readily dyed, which is why it is the most used fabric for painting. At Quality Textiles, the fabric is available in 19 beautiful colors. This shows that the fabric is taken seriously by the fashion industry nowadays. Canvas has come a long way as a fashion fabric since Levi Strauss made his first pants from it in the nineteenth century.

How to make clothing with canvas?

Both traditional hemp canvas and the more modern cotton canvas consist entirely of natural fibers. When such natural fabrics are washed for the first time, there is a chance that they will shrink slightly. Therefore, always wash canvas before making clothes from it. Despite the sturdy character of the fabric, it does not tolerate spinning nor high temperatures well. Therefore, wash the fabric at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Because of its sensitivity to high temperatures, it is also not possible to put canvas in the dryer. Therefore, let the fabric air dry by hanging it up or laying it on an absorbent surface.

For making canvas clothing, it is useful that the fabric is the same on both sides. Therefore, it does not matter which side of the fabric you cut. Use a sharp knife or scissors because the fabric is quite thick. Because of the thickness, it is also advisable to use a reasonably sturdy needle. A jeans needle with a thickness between 90 and 110 is a good choice for canvas. The fabric is surprisingly smooth for such a robust-looking fabric, so it is a good idea to take measures to prevent slipping. An anti-slip mat and a jeans foot make sewing with canvas much easier.

Buy canvas online

Canvas is an exceptionally sturdy, versatile, fabric. Would you wish to make clothes, shoes, or bags from this tear-resistant fabric? Then you are in the right place at Quality Textiles! We offer canvas in various beautiful colors. In addition, we sell assorted haberdashery items to make sewing projects using canvas a great success. Or would you prefer a more lightweight fabric with a similar texture that doesn't tear? Then take a look at our beautiful linen fabrics.