What Is Canvas Material? Understanding Canvas Texture, Composition, and Uses in Bags and More

Ever wonder what makes a canvas bag so special? From work and gym to the beach and grocery shopping, a canvas bag is a handy companion you can take anywhere. The material is versatile, suits different lifestyles, and is highly durable. Considering its different features, it’s worth looking at what is canvas made out of, common uses, and how you can take care of your bag. Let’s get into it.

What Is Canvas Made Of?

Canvas is a plain woven fabric commonly made from cotton and, occasionally, linen, used to make durable and sturdy bags. Recently, canvas material is made from blending cotton with synthetic fibers, making it water-resistant for outdoor use. Though canvas comes in two forms depending on the weave, there are different types featuring materials like cotton, linen, and more.

The word canvas ultimately derives from ‘cannabis,’ a Latin term that means ‘made from hemp. That’s because early canvas was originally woven from hemp, a material that combined the best qualities of linen and cotton. It’s inflexible and wear-resistant like linen, but is soft like cotton.

Different Types of Canvas

Canvas, the plain woven fabric typically comes in two forms, tightly woven and loosely woven, or duck and plain canvas.

1. Duck Canvas has a closer weave and thinner threads, giving it a smoother feel. It’s suitable for apparel and other fabric products that will touch the skin. With a thread count of 100-150, it’s much softer but retains water-resistant properties.
2. Cotton Canvas is made entirely from 100 percent cotton plant fibers, giving it a soft and smooth texture. It’s also more flexible, thanks to its mechanical weave, making it a suitable choice for various applications beyond canvas bags.
3. Linen Canvas is typically made using processed flax fibers, obtained from the flax plant stem. Among natural fibers, linen canvas offers greater durability than cotton.
4. Polyester Canvas, also known as synthetic canvas, is woven from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fibers. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use, in applications like upholstery and pillows, because stains can roll off.
5. Blended Canvas is made from a mix of natural and synthetic fibers like cotton and polyester. It offers the best of both worlds: strength and durability.

What Does Canvas Texture Feel Like?

Generally, canvas is a stiff fabric with a coarse texture, but this depends on the weave and type of material. Some materials contribute to a more softer feeling canvas, like cotton duck canvas, while others, like plain canvas, is more rugged.

Plain canvas fabric has a rough texture and is suitable for making everyday products like shopping bags and home decor. Duck canvas, on the other hand, has a tighter weave that feels softer, making it suitable for wearing and heavy-duty applications.

The texture can also change depending on the weight. For example, hemp canvas is lightweight compared to cotton canvas, which gives it a soft feel. Similarly, the type of fibers can affect the texture, as natural fibers feel more luxurious than synthetic ones.

6 Reasons To Choose Canvas for Bags and Other Products

Durability

A major reason canvas bag manufacturers use the material is its impressive durability. It’s able to hold heavy items and handle the wear and tear without showing signs of damage, making it great for everyday use. This rugged durability also makes it a long-lasting option for bags, apparel, and shoes.

Comfort and Breathability

Depending on the material and type of weave, canvas can be a comfortable and breathable fabric for apparel and bags. Tightly woven fabric, like duck canvas, is softer, making it a suitable choice for products that touch the skin. Canvas is also more breathable than other heavy cotton fabrics, like denim, which have a twill weave.

Versatile

Modern canvas fabric is suitable for a variety of applications that include bags, apparel, shoes, upholstery, and even art. This is because it comes in so much variation that there’s a type of canvas material for just about every kind of application.

Customizable

Because the material is easy to handle, sew, embroider, and print on, suppliers can provide custom canvas bags, apparel, and more. Even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, customizing a canvas jacket, shoes, or bag is as simple as using some fabric paint or embroidery thread.

Low-Maintenance

Canvas fabric is fairly low-maintenance because it’s easy to care for. Thanks to its moisture-resistance, liquids typically roll off the surface instead of seeping into the fabric. And if canvas products get dirty or dusty, you can easily clean it in a washing machine to preserve its appearance.

Cost-Effective

Canvas material is plain woven fabric made from easily accessible raw materials, making it a cost-effective option for bags, apparel, shoes, and other products. Cotton canvas production is also affordable, giving consumers a stylish product that doesn’t break the bank.

Common Uses of Canvas Material

Since cotton canvas production spread to different parts of the world, it’s become commonly used in such fashion objects and for artists.

Canvas Bags

Tote Bags

Canvas tote bags are popular among eco-conscious people looking to stop using plastic bags. Besides being a great alternative to carry shopping items or groceries, they’re also fashionable. Canvas bag vendors sell them with trendy designs and patterns to complement your everyday looks as a stylish accessory.

Backpacks and Duffel Bags

Besides tote bags, canvas is a heavy-duty fabric for making backpacks and gym bags, both of which are daily-use items. You can easily wash canvas backpacks in the washing machine as well. It’s why most canvas bag companies market products to students and athletes.

Canvas Apparel

Canvas Jackets

Canvas fibres give jackets impressive durability, structure, breathability, and even water resistance. These features make canvas jackets suitable for different climates and activities.

Canvas Pants

Canvas is also blended with other materials to make durable, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant pants. Their unique texture makes canvas pants suitable for outdoor activities and everyday use.

Canvas Shoes

Shoes make from this durable material are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to clean. They’re affordable and come in a variety of styles, allowing you to pair them with different outfits. All these features make canvas shoes a popular choice among consumers.

Home Decor

Canvas Upholstery

Many furniture brands use canvas fabric for their products, whether they’re sofas, cushions, lawn chairs, and hammocks. It can handle daily use without tearing, and it’s easy to clean while being water-resistant.

Painting Canvas

Artists typically use stretched canvas on a wooden frame called a stretcher. With the right priming, it’s an excellent painting surface. Acrylic paint goes well on top of duck canvas, while linen canvas is preferable for using oil paint.

Crafts

Besides canvas stretched over a wooden frame, fabric is also used in different crafts. Canvas fabric is an affordable material that crafters and artists can use for DIY projects like wall hangings and designing their own bags.

3 Tips To Care for Canvas Products

Cleaning Canvas Fabric

To keep your canvas products clean, remember to dust them regularly with a soft brush or cloth. If there are any small stains, gently clean the area with some soap and water. Depending on the item, you can also handwash or machine wash canvas items before letting them air dry. For more tips, you can check out our article on how to wash a tote bag.

Maintain Canvas Texture

Canvas bag suppliers recommend dusting your canvas products to prevent dirt from settling into the fabric and affecting the texture. You should also avoid using harsh cleaners and putting them in the dryer after washing. Instead, a gentle detergent and air drying are recommended to preserve the texture.

Waterproof Canvas

Waxed canvas is a waterproof material that keeps dry in wet conditions. You can waterproof canvas by applying wax-based or spray coatings that allow moisture to roll off instead of being absorbed. If you’d like to know more, check out this detailed guide on waterproofing canvas material to keep it dry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is cotton canvas and polyester canvas different?

Cotton derive canvas is softer and breathable compared to polyester, which feels rough and doesn’t let air pass through. Polyester canvas can’t be dyed with vibrant colors the way cotton canvas can.

Can canvas be used for fashion accessories?

Yes, canvas is commonly used for making fashion accessories like bags, jackets, and shoes.

How do I customize a canvas bag?

If you want custom canvas bags in bulk, it’s best to hire a manufacturer to get the job done. But if you’d like to customize a bag as a DIY project, consider using fabric paint, pins, or embroidered patches.

Is canvas material eco-friendly?

Yes, canvas is considered an eco-friendly option because of its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. It also depends on the type of canvas, as natural fabrics are a more eco-conscious choice than synthetic ones.

Can I waterproof my canvas bag?

Yes, it’s possible to waterproof your canvas bag using a waterproofing spray and seam sealer. It won’t discolor your bag and is easily available at stores.

Conclusion

Now that you know about what canvas is made of, the types of products it’s used to make, and the types of canvas available, consider using the above-mentioned tips to take care of your canvas products. And if you’d like to decorate your own bag, check out this friendly guide on how to paint tote bags.

Get High-Quality Custom Canvas Bags With Itendee

At Itendee, we’re a leading manufacturer of packaging materials, including different types of tote bags. With years of experience, we’re able to deliver quality canvas bags to your specifications. Check out our canvas bags and custom canvas products for your next project or purchase.