What is Canvas?

Canvas is a heavy-duty woven fabric, traditionally made from cotton or linen and nowadays often also available in cotton/polyester blends. It is usually woven in a plain weave, which gives the fabric its strong and stable construction. Depending on the weight and finish, canvas can feel medium-heavy and flexible or very firm and robust.

Canvas is widely used in both fashion and interior applications. Lighter canvas qualities can be used for jackets, overshirts, skirts and children’s items, while heavier canvas is ideal for tote bags, cushions, aprons, workwear and upholstery. The fabric is also highly suitable for printed designs because of its stable surface.

Specifications

Construction Woven fabric, usually plain weave
Composition Usually cotton, linen, polyester or cotton/polyester blend
Fabric weight Medium to heavy, commonly around 200–450 g/m² depending on quality
Stretch No stretch, woven fabricAbbreviationsCO = cotton, LI = linen, PES = polyester
Appearance Firm, matte, slightly coarse, stable and durable

Canvas

Canvas is a strong, durable woven fabric with a firm structure and a slightly coarse hand feel. It is known for its strength, stability and versatility, making it suitable for bags, workwear, home textiles, decorative items and structured fashion pieces. Because of its dense weave, canvas offers more body than lighter cotton fabrics and can handle everyday use well.

One of the main advantages of canvas is its durability. The fabric keeps its shape, provides a stable surface for prints and works well for products that need strength, structure and resistance to wear. This makes canvas a practical choice for accessories, utility-style garments, upholstery projects and creative collections.

Applications

Tote bags, shoppers and pouches
Workwear and aprons
Jackets, overshirts and utility garments
Skirts and structured clothing
Cushions and home textiles
Upholstery, depending on abrasion resistance
Craft projects and decorative items
Printed designs and promotional items

Care Instructions

Washable at 30–40°C, depending on the composition, print and finish. Wash inside out to help preserve colours and printed designs. Cotton canvas may shrink after the first wash, so pre-washing is recommended before cutting or sewing. Iron at medium to high temperature if the composition allows it.

Certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 may be available depending on the specific article. For workwear, children’s products or interior use, always check the certification, coating, abrasion resistance and technical requirements per fabric.

Practical Tip

Choose the canvas weight based on the final product. Use lighter canvas for garments and accessories that still need some flexibility, and heavier canvas for bags, upholstery or products that require extra strength and structure. For printed designs, test the print result first, as texture and coating can influence colour sharpness.

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posted on
04/06/2026