Production
Canvas is a type of textile made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen or hemp and is known primarily for its robust properties. Nowadays, canvas fabrics are sometimes blended fabrics with a small amount of synthetic materials such as polyester. Canvas fabrics are woven textiles. The warp threads run vertically through the fabric, while the weft threads run horizontally across the fabric. The threads are woven very tightly together in canvas fabrics. This type of weave, known as plain weave, gives canvas fabric its strength and also ensures that the front and back sides look the same so it can be used on both sides. A special type of plain weave is the rep weave. Here, thicker yarns are being used and the threads are woven even closer together. This creates a particularly strong and robust canvas fabric.
Properties of Canvas fabric
Canvas is very strong and tear-resistant. It also has an abrasion resistance that makes it very durable. Furthermore, the fabric is partially fire resistant. Canvas fabric is also wind resistant and was often used for sailcloths. Nowadays sailcloths are usually made from lighter synthetic fibers. You can treat the fabric so it becomes even waterproof and suitable for outside furniture or tents. On the other hand, untreated canvas is a very absorbent material. Nowadays, untreated canvases are available as pure cotton fabrics or as blended fabrics and often have a linen like look. Canvas fabrics are quite strong and stiff, so the fabrics don't have a loose and light feel. Therefore, they are very suitable for sturdy bags and shoppers. Canvas fabrics are best suited for making durable clothing and accessories, for use as a decorative fabric, and for outdoor uses in any weather. They're also still used by artists who paint with oils.
And by the way, even Levi Strauss already made use of this great fabric. His first pants were not made out of jeans, but of canvas fabric.
Sewing ideas for sturdy cotton fabric
Canvas is a very versatile fabric and a popular material. Even as a sewing beginner, you can sew great, colorful and patterned pieces. You could sew a nice, big and cozy beanbag out of the sturdy fabric or make some pillowcases. Curtains are also a great sewing project. Canvas is a great decorative fabric. But also bags, backpacks or duffel bags can be sewn from canvas. You can choose your fabric out of a large selection of colors and patterns.
In addition, of course, you can also sew sturdy and strong clothing from the beautiful fabric made of cotton like weatherproof jackets and pants. Even shoes can be made from canvas. Canvas is especially popular for light summer sneakers or the so-called sailing shoes. Furthermore canvas is perfect for workwear or dungarees, for example.
Due to its durability, canvas fabric is also very suitable for any outdoor furniture or covers. If you impregnate the fabric or buy treated canvas, it is waterproof. Furthermore canvas is a great material for tents.
Cotton Canvas or blended canvas fabrics are available by the meter offers a wide variety of solid colors and great patterns and not only the natural plain canvas.
Helpful tips for working with canvas
Cutting and preparation
Because canvas is such a strong and sturdy fabric, cutting it can be quite exhausting. A pair of high quality tailor's scissors or a sharp rotary cutter is therefor very helpful.
Since both sides of the fabric look the same, you can also make your markings of the pattern pieces on both sides. Then you can pin your finished pattern pieces together and prepare for sewing.
Sewing
For sewing, a sturdy and thicker needle suits best. The strengths 90-110 should fit well here. Also make sure that your thread tension is set correctly on the sewing machine. Additionally, it can be helpful to use a jeans foot, as canvas fabric tends to slip quickly.
By the way, you can even staple or glue the fabric with a special fabric glue. This approach can be especially helpful if you are using your canvas fabric for upholstered furniture and want to redo it.
How to care for your canvas fabric
Washing
Often you can remove stains with a damp cloth and mild soap. Especially if your canvas fabric is used as upholstery fabric on a chair or sofa, it is often difficult to simply pull it off and wash it. Therefore, it can be very helpful to first try to remove the stain with a cloth.
In general, you can also wash canvas fabric in the machine. Use a gentle wash cycle and wash it at 30°C and don't use the spin cycle. In addition, it is best to use a mild detergent. You have to be more careful when washing canvas than with other cotton or linen fabrics.
Dry
Canvas is a very durable fabric, but unfortunately it is not suitable for machine drying. Hang the fabric to air dry. You can also let it dry on an absorbent surface. This way your fabric will also dry without forming anywrinkles.
Ironing
Canvas fabric can be ironed without any worries. Be careful not to set the temperature too high. Also, iron the fabric only when it is dry. Then nothing should go wrong.
Maybe you have already chosen a great fabric that you like among the wide range of beautiful colorful plain and patterned canvas fabrics in yardage. Have fun while sewing!
