What Is Canvas Fabric? Types, Weights and Uses

Canvas Fabric Explained

Canvas is a strong, tightly woven fabric known for its durability. It started life as the material for sails and tents, and today it's a favourite for bags, cushions, aprons and home furnishings. If you want a fabric that holds its shape and stands up to everyday use, canvas is one of the best places to start.

How Canvas Is Made

Canvas uses a plain weave, where threads pass simply over and under each other, but with thicker yarns packed closely together. That dense construction is what gives canvas its strength, body and slightly textured surface. The heavier the yarns and the tighter the weave, the sturdier the fabric.

Canvas Weight: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Canvas is usually described by weight in grams per square metre (gsm):

• Around 200gsm: a lighter, soft canvas that drapes a little. Great for cushions, curtains, skirts and lined tote bags.
• Around 250gsm and above: a firmer canvas with more structure. Great for sturdy bags, aprons, storage baskets and hard-wearing projects.

Types of Canvas We Stock

Plain Cotton Canvas

Our washed 100% cotton canvas is 150cm (59") wide and 250gsm, available in a range of colours. It's ideal for bags, aprons and any project that needs a solid, dependable fabric. We also stock a plain 100% cotton canvas at 112cm wide. See our plain canvas fabric.

Printed Canvas

Our digitally printed canvases are a cotton-rich, linen-look fabric, typically 80% cotton and 20% polyester at 200gsm and around 140cm wide. The print is crisp and colourful, and the blend helps it resist creasing. Some prints are 100% cotton panama canvas. See our printed canvas fabric.

Canvas Panels

Printed panels, many at 46cm x 46cm, give you a ready-made cushion front with the design already centred. Browse our animal cushion panels.

Cotton Canvas vs Cotton-Rich Canvas

100% cotton canvasCotton-rich (80/20) canvas FeelNatural, matte, firmSoft, linen-look CreasingCreases moreResists creases better ShrinkageCan shrink, so pre-washMinimal Best forBags, aprons, structured makesCushions, curtains, printed home décor What Can You Make With Canvas?

• Tote bags, shopping bags and pencil cases
• Cushion covers and seat pads
• Curtains and blinds
• Aprons and workwear
• Storage baskets and toy bags
• Skirts, shorts and trousers (lighter canvas)

Need a fabric for outdoor or wipe-clean projects? Canvas isn't waterproof on its own. Look at our waterproof and performance fabrics instead.

Tips for Sewing Canvas

• Use a heavier needle. A size 90/14 to 100/16 needle, or a denim/jeans needle, pierces the dense weave cleanly.
• Lengthen your stitch slightly (around 3mm) for a neater seam on thicker canvas.
• Use strong thread. A good polyester all-purpose or heavy-duty thread holds up well.
• Clip instead of pinning through several layers, especially on bag straps and corners.
• Pre-wash 100% cotton canvas if the finished item will be washed.
• Press firmly with steam to get crisp edges and corners.

Find Your Canvas

For bags and structured projects, choose a plain cotton canvas. For colourful cushions and curtains, choose a printed cotton-rich canvas. For a quick cushion, start with a panel. See our guide to the best fabric for cushion covers, then explore our full canvas fabric collection.