Think for a moment about how history would be different without two things: 1) tents to shelter people and 2) sails to move ships with wind power. These were two of the first uses of canvas fabric–which has been around since ancient times.

Canvas fabric was originally woven from hemp and takes its name from the Latin word cannabis which means “made from hemp.” It was first woven from cotton in India around 1500 B.C.; Ancient Egyptians made canvas from linen. Canvas production spread to Europe in the eighth century. We are still using this ancient fabric today–Converse shoes are one ubiquitous example.

Whether hemp, linen, or cotton canvas fabric, it is a plain weave fabric–which means that single warp and weft threads of equal weight cross over each other. The yarns used for canvas fabric are thick and woven closely together. This creates a fabric that is strong, durable, and versatile.

Some of the most popular applications of canvas fabric–then and now–are: sails and coverings for boats; tents; awnings; backdrops for photography and theater; tote bags and backpacks; shoes; jackets; and furniture. Canvas fabric stretched over wood frames for fine oil or acrylic painting is called simply–a canvas.

Once you’ve decided that canvas fabric is going to be the perfect choice for your project, the next thing to figure out is where to buy canvas material!

Missouri Star sells canvas fabric by the yard for the home sewist. We offer solid canvas fabric and printed canvas fabric. You will also find pre-printed canvas fabric for bags. We offer 100% cotton canvas fabric–some choices are organic cotton canvas fabric. As you peruse the options of canvas fabric for sale, it may help to be familiar with a few terms and concepts. 

Here are our most frequently-asked questions about canvas fabrics:

Q: What is cotton duck, duck cloth, and duck canvas? Are these different from canvas? 

A: Duck is a type of canvas that is only made from cotton. It is woven very tightly with finer threads. That gives it a higher thread count and smoother hand than canvas.

Q: What is canvas cloth called? 

A: Canvas is canvas. Duck cloth is also canvas–but with a smoother, finer weave and higher thread count.

Q: What is PFD canvas? 

A: PFD means “prepared for dye.” The canvas has not been treated in any way. It will absorb dye well.

Q: Does Missouri Star offer organic canvas fabric? 

A: Yes, look for canvas from Cloud9 Fabrics. This company uses 100% certified organic cotton and eco-responsible, low-impact dyes in the manufacture of its cloth. Cloud9 Fabrics does not sell its fabric directly to customers, but you may buy canvas fabric online through Missouri Star.

Q: Is canvas stronger than cotton?

A: All canvas is strong because it is a plain weave fabric made with heavy yarns. Cotton is actually the least durable of the three fibers–hemp, linen, cotton–that are used to make canvas, but it is sufficiently strong for use in personal garments, shoes, totes, and household goods.

Q: What fabric is best for canvas? 

A: When people ask–What fabric is canvas?–they are probably asking, What fiber is canvas made from? Today cotton canvas is most common and most affordable for the home sewist. Cotton canvas or duck are great choices for tote bags, jackets, slipcovers on furniture, draperies, or the backs of picnic quilts. However, if you are sewing something that must tolerate the weather, you probably want waxed canvas or a canvas fabric that blends natural and synthetic fibers. If you are a professional artist who wants canvas for painting your masterpiece, you might want linen canvas.

When you need to buy canvas fabric, turn to Missouri Star. We will do our best to offer a variety of solid and print options for your latest project inspirations!