Canvas is a heavy, tightly woven plain-weave fabric, usually cotton or a cotton blend, made for strength and structure.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Cotton or cotton blend |
| Feel | Firm, sturdy, stiff |
| Absorbency | Moderate |
| Durability | Very high |
| Shrinkage | Some, prewash |
| Care | Machine wash; heavy |
| Common uses | Bags, aprons, upholstery |
Working with canvas
Canvas is thick, so use a heavier needle and longer stitch length. Its body makes it ideal for items that need to hold their shape.
Upsize the needle. Switch to a denim or heavy-duty needle (90/14 or larger) and lengthen the stitch so the machine handles the thick weave cleanly.
See the Denim Fabric Properties and the Upholstery Fabric Guide.