Canvas
The word canvas is a generic term to describe an industrial fabric. A tarpaulin is a heavy, strong, stiff woven fabric that is made from cotton or synthetic (man-made) fibers, used for awnings, industrial covers, covers, and other applications. A canvas comes in different grades, qualities and weights. A canvas is usually available in a plain or basket weave (oxford) pattern. We will review various knitting patterns in a future article.
When trying to find a particular canvas for your project, the Internet can be a helpful resource, but it can also be confusing due to the many options available. Some examples of products made from canvas fabrics include, but are not limited to: ground cloths, goat coats, dive bags, awnings, boat covers, tipis, tents, shopping bags, punching bags, chaps, industrial pipe insulation, covers, pet beds, luggage, tennis court screens, theater curtains, stage curtains, upholstery covers, and various other products.
ballistic fabrics
Ballistic fabrics are made from nylon thread and are extremely strong. This synthetic nylon fabric is woven into a basket weave and is polyurethane coated on one side, making it highly water repellant. Ballistic fabrics were first used in World War II for aviators. They would protect against small shrapnel and debris (flak). Today, most protective vests are made from a Kevlar/Nylon combination. Ballistic fabrics are mainly used in motorcycle jackets and pants, luggage and small backpacks. Ballistic nylons have high abrasion resistance and hardly elongation.
cotton duck canvas
Cotton duck is a woven canvas made from 100% cotton fiber (natural). Popular workwear products are still made from cotton fabric due to its breathability and durability. Thick cotton duck is also used for tool bags and craft supply bags. Some of the thick duck fabric is used in heavy-duty tool bags, which are used by mechanics and linemen in the oil and gas industry. Cotton Duck Canvas is available in weights from 7 oz/yd2 to 30 oz/yd2, and in a variety of colors. Waxed cotton duck is used for outdoor industrial covers. This cotton duck is treated with a wax finish that makes it waterproof and fire retardant. They are used on farms to cover heavy equipment or are even made into tarps to wrap steam pipes for the winter. Lightweight cotton duck is used in a variety of upholstery applications. 7 oz duck can be used as a drapery lining or artist’s canvas. 10 oz cotton duck is commonly used in replacement covers.
