Canvas is a fantastic fabric which is popular for both work and leisure wear due to its tight, plain weave and smooth surface which makes it incredibly hard-wearing. Heavier weight canvas fabrics are also ideal for bag-making and outdoor cushions. At Fabrics Galore we highlight what you should know before sewing with canvas, followed by 10 brilliant patterns for canvas fabric which you can sew at home.
What You Should Know About Canvas Fabric
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Canvas fabric refers to the weave rather than the fabric composition, so don’t assume that all canvas fabric is made of cotton (although at Fabrics Galore, our canvas collection is all 100% cotton). Canvas fabric may also be made from synthetic fibres and blends.
- It is usually a heavyweight fabric upwards of 230 gsm+ however, check individual fabric weights for an indication of how strong and hard-wearing it is likely to be.
- Canvas can be machine washed at 30 degrees or lower, if untreated with a waterproof coating. Look out for individual supplier recommendations which may advise dry clean only.
- Canvas will soften up with washing and wearing over time.
- Canvas can shrink so we recommend pre-washing before sewing.
- Canvas is prone to wrinkles so line dry or tumble on a low temperature.
- Canvas frays so take this into account when you decide how much fabric your pattern needs.
- You could also use furnishing weight Cotton Panama fabrics as an alternative to canvas fabric.
You will often see the weight of canvas fabric expressed in the old imperial system of oz (ounces per square yard) rather than the metric term gsm (grams per square metre). 1oz per square yard = 33.906 gsm. To make it easier for you, see our handy table of weight comparisons below:
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Weight in oz
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Weight in gsm
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Fabrics Galore cotton canvas fabrics
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10.5 oz +
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350 gsm +
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Loomstate 12oz Cotton Canvas or 407 gsm
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4.5 - 10 oz
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150 - 340 gsm
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Cotton Canvas Stripes 225 gsm or 6.6 oz
Cotton Canvas Leopard print 225 gsm or 6.6 oz
Cotton Canvas Palms 225 gsm or 6.6 oz
Cotton Canvas Hoxton 250 gsm or 7.4 oz
Cotton Canvas Bright Pink 250 gsm or 7.4 oz
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Under 4.5 oz
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Below 150 gsm
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Medium Weight Grey Canvas Interfacing 140 gsm or 4.1 oz
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What Can You Make with Canvas Fabric?
Canvas fabric is a stiffer, heavier weight material which makes it durable and ideal for making jackets, coats, trousers and workwear like aprons and overalls. Apart from uses in dressmaking, canvas fabric is excellent for bags and often used for tote bags and backpacks. It is also popular for outdoor cushions and upholstery.
The 10 Best Patterns for Canvas Fabric
Canvas Jacket Patterns
The Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co
The Ilford Jacket is a versatile gender-neutral pattern with endless possibilities for customisation including two sleeve options, two lengths and various pocket options. It is perfect for canvas fabrics and would look great in our Hoxton range of cotton canvas.
The Ottoline Jacket by Merchant & Mills
The Ottoline is a boxy workwear jacket with collar, cuffs, side seam splits and sleeve vents with an inside pocket and decorative pockets on the outside. Although the side vents are tricky to sew, there is a simplified version which excludes the side seams and sleeve vents.
Canvas Trouser Patterns
Alba Pants by Tessuti Fabrics
The Alba Pants are a lovely simple wide legged cropped trouser with flat front mid-rise waist and an elasticated back which fit neatly over the hips. Although you can make them in lighter weight fabrics, a cotton canvas would work well. They would look great in our white striped canvas.
Worker Trousers by The Modern Sewing Co
The women’s Worker Trousers are a fantastic everyday trouser that you’ll reach for time and again. Incredibly popular with sewists and reviewed as “my favourite trouser pattern ever” they sit comfortably just above the hip, flare slightly over the hips before tapering at the ankle. This is a perfect pattern for structured mid to heavy weight fabrics like canvas and we think they would look great in our leopard print canvas.
Persephone Pants and Shorts by Anna Allen
The Persephone Pants and Shorts is a popular trouser and shorts pattern in a high-waisted, button-fly sailor style with no side seams. in-seam pockets and belt loops. Anna Allen recommends woven non-stretch fabrics like 10oz cotton canvas or twill fabric.
Overshirt Pattern
Makers Overshirt by Matchy Matchy
The Makers Overshirt by Matchy Matchy is a beautiful casual boxy shaped overshirt with drop shoulders, pockets, and simple front button placket, which sits below the hips so it’s perfect for layering. The pattern also includes a fun colour block option. Check out this striped version which is a great match for our striped cotton canvases.
Overalls/Dungarees Pattern
Riley Overalls by True Bias
The Riley Overalls by True Bias pattern is a classic dungarees pattern with a playsuit length option as well as full length version. With a front bib, diagonal rear straps, patch pockets belt loops and a faux fly, it’s a fun make ideal for both work and play. Make it in a palm print for holiday vibes.
Apron Pattern
The Sam Apron by Helen’s Closet
Featured in our blog on free sewing patterns for fabulous Christmas gifts, the Sam Apron by Helen’s Closet it a fantastically versatile apron pattern with cut lines for all heights, both chest and waist pockets, and with the option of a halter neck or crossover straps. A great free pattern which we made up at Fabrics Galore in our London shop in our pink and navy cotton canvas stripe. We also think it would look super in our Marigold cotton canvas.
Bag Patterns
Mia Messenger Bag by Blackbird Fabrics
The Mia Messenger Bag is a stylish and practical fully lined bag with a secure zipped pocket, optional magnetic closure and device pocket perfect for tablets and smaller laptops. With a comfortable wide strap which can be worn across the body, it’s perfect for containing everything you’ll need on your busy days. Make it in a plain pink cotton canvas or dare to make it in a leopard print canvas!
Sturdy Tote Bag by Merchant & Mills
The Sturdy Tote is exactly what it says on the tin - a sturdy lined tote bag with inner pockets and turned through handles. It’s designed to be made in a heavy weight fabric which holds its shape so a cotton canvas is perfect. If you like your tote bag to make a statement then make it in our gorgeous Frida Kahlo Si Te Llore Alexander Henry cotton canvas fabric.
Cotton Canvas Fabrics at Fabrics Galore
At Fabrics Galore we have a curated range of canvas fabrics which are all made from high quality 100% cotton. As an alternative to canvas, you can also achieve a similar look and feel with our furnishing weight Cotton Panama fabrics.
See what some of our customers have made in canvas below:
Beautiful bag by @hemandhandle in our Cotton Canvas Green & Cream Palms
Fab barrel leg trousers by @ginger_doodlesmakes and @alisewn in our canvas fabric
Are you Ready to Create with Canvas?
Do browse our canvas fabric collection for inspiration whether you want a plain canvas, a bold stripe or leopard canvas, we have a gorgeous selection and are always available for advice on which canvas is best for your make.
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
