What is Canvas fabric?
Canvas is a heavyweight hard wearing fabric usually made from cotton but it can be made from linen or hemp too. It’s a tightly woven material with a thick thread, which makes it naturally water resistant. You can buy it coated in PVC to make it more waterproof.
What is canvas used for?
Canvas fabric is great for making bags. Bags are handled a lot and often placed on the floor so the durability and water resistance of canvas help prolong the life of the bag.
It can also be used for making cushions for outdoor furniture, it's tight weave makes it naturally water resistant against light showers. Canvas fabric has more structure to it than regular cotton so it works well for things which need to hold their shape, like fabric baskets, hats and bags. It can also be used for garments which need to be hard wearing such as trousers and jackets.
Traditionally it was used for sails and tents but these are now more often made with synthetic alternatives.
Tips for sewing with Canvas fabric
Canvas tends to soften after washing, so you may want to prewash your fabric before sewing with it.
Iron it on the hottest setting, you can also use steam or spray water on the fabric to make it easier to press.
It’s best to cut just a single layer at a time as its thickness makes it harder to cut through multiple layers.
It’s best to use either a jeans needle or a size 90 or 100 universal needle. If possible, put in a fresh needle so it’s nice and sharp.
Increase your stitch length to around 3-4mm and ideally use your walking foot.
Fabric clips are great to use with canvas, easier than getting pins through multiple layers of a thick fabric.
If you’re sewing with a thick canvas fabric you will need a heavy duty thread or upholstery thread. For regular canvas I use Gutermann Sew all and haven’t had any issues.
If you store canvas fabric by rolling it instead of folding it there will be less creases to remove before you start sewing.
Shop our range of printed and plain canvas fabrics.
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