What Is Canvas Made Of?

By CanvasChampJuly, 03 2025July, 03 2025Comment

You see canvas in more places than you think. Artists paint on it. Brands use it for bags, shoes, and tents. Decorators rely on it for canvas prints and wall art.

People choose canvas because it feels strong and lasts long. But what makes it so durable? What materials go into it? Why do some types feel soft while others feel rough?

In this blog, we answer those questions. We explain what canvas fabric is, what it's made of, and why it suits so many everyday uses.

What Is Canvas Fabric, Really?

Canvas is a thick, tightly woven fabric known for its strength and durability. It usually comes from cotton, linen, or a blend with synthetic fibers. The threads cross over each other in a plain weave, which creates a smooth yet sturdy surface.

This fabric feels firm and slightly textured. It doesn't stretch much over time, which makes it ideal for structured products. You can fold it, sew it, or stretch it over a frame without losing shape. It holds up well under weight, pressure, or constant use.

Because of these qualities, people often choose canvas for items that need to last. It resists tearing, stays firm over time, and handles rough handling better than many other fabrics.

What Is Canvas Material Made Of?

Canvas is usually made from cotton, linen, or a cotton-polyester blend. These materials are tightly woven to create a durable, heavy fabric. Cotton is soft and breathable. Linen feels stronger and more textured. Polyester blends add strength, reduce shrinkage, and resist moisture.

Let’s look at each type more closely:

1. Cotton Canvas

Made from 100% cotton fibers
Soft, flexible, and easy to handle
Breathable and absorbs dye well
Common in bags, shoes, art prints, and fabric decor

2. Linen Canvas

Made from flax plant fibers
Coarser and stiffer than cotton
Holds shape better and lasts longer
Often preferred for painting and premium textiles

3. Polyester-Cotton Blend

Mix of natural cotton and synthetic polyester
Tougher, wrinkle-resistant, and longer-lasting
More water-resistant than pure cotton or linen
Ideal for outdoor use, upholstery, and high-wear items

Natural vs Synthetic Canvas

Feature	Cotton/Linen (Natural)	Poly-Cotton Blend (Synthetic)
Texture	Softer or coarse (linen)	Smooth and firm
Durability	Moderate to high	Very high
Breathability	Excellent	Moderate
Moisture Resistance	Low	High
Eco-Friendly	Yes	Less so
Cost	Slightly higher	More affordable

Natural canvas feels breathable and eco-conscious. Blended canvas handles stress, moisture, and wear better. The best choice depends on what you need it for.

Is Canvas a Natural or Synthetic Fabric?

Canvas can be both. Traditionally, manufacturers made canvas using natural fibers like cotton or linen. Today, many canvas fabrics are blends of natural and synthetic fibers.

This shift often causes confusion. People see canvas and assume it’s always cotton, but that’s not the case anymore. Polyester is commonly mixed with cotton to create stronger, more durable fabric.

Blended canvas improves water resistance and reduces shrinking. It also stretches less and lasts longer in outdoor or high-use settings. However, it feels less breathable than 100% cotton or linen.

Types of Canvas Fabrics Explained

Canvas comes in different types based on weave, fiber mix, and finishes. Each serves a specific purpose.

1. Plain Canvas

Standard tight weave
Lightweight to medium weight
Used in simple bags, shoes, or crafts

2. Duck Canvas

Tighter and smoother weave than plain canvas
Feels heavier and more structured
Used in heavy-duty workwear, upholstery, and durable bags

3. Waxed Canvas

Regular canvas coated with wax
Water-resistant and rugged
Used in outdoor gear, jackets, and backpacks

4. Blended Canvas

Mix of cotton and polyester
More durable and wrinkle-resistant
Ideal for digital printing, décor, and outdoor fabrics

Quick Canvas Type Comparison Table

Type	Texture	Weight	Key Feature	Best Used For
Plain Canvas	Slightly rough	Light–medium	Basic weave	Bags, crafts, shoes
Duck Canvas	Smooth, dense	Medium–heavy	Durable and strong	Workwear, upholstery
Waxed Canvas	Waxy, stiff	Heavy	Water-resistant surface	Jackets, outdoor bags, tarps
Blended Canvas	Smooth, flexible	Light–heavy	Durable and cost-effective	Printing, covers, décor

How Is Canvas Fabric Made?

The process of making canvas involves several key steps:

Harvesting: Cotton or flax plants are harvested for their fibers.
Spinning: The raw fibers are cleaned and spun into long threads or yarns.
Weaving: These yarns are woven using a plain weave. Each thread alternates over and under, creating a tight and balanced structure.
Finishing: The fabric may go through treatments such as waxing, dyeing, or coating, depending on its intended use.

Result? A tough, stable canvas fabric ready for various applications, from art to industrial gear.

What Does GSM Mean in Canvas?

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It measures fabric weight and thickness.

Higher GSM means the fabric is heavier, thicker, and often stronger. Lower GSM indicates a lighter, more flexible canvas.

GSM Weight Guide:

Lightweight Canvas (150–250 GSM): Thin and flexible. Used in linings, basic totes, and indoor prints.
Medium Weight Canvas (300–400 GSM): Balanced thickness and strength. Ideal for everyday bags, shoes, aprons, and banners.
Heavyweight Canvas (500+ GSM): Thick, stiff, and highly durable. Perfect for outdoor use, tents, upholstery, and protective covers.

Why it matters:

GSM helps you pick the right canvas based on strength, flexibility, and purpose. For prints, medium to heavy GSM offers the best balance of structure and image clarity.

How to Identify Genuine Canvas Material?

Not sure if it's real canvas? These simple checks can help you figure it out.

1. Feel the Fabric
Genuine canvas feels firm and slightly coarse. It doesn’t stretch much and has a solid weight when you hold it. If it feels too smooth or thin, it’s likely a synthetic blend.

2. Look at the Weave
Real canvas has a tight, plain weave. You can usually see the crisscross pattern if you look closely. The threads run evenly and don’t shift easily when you press or pinch the fabric.

3. Do a Water Test
Put a few drops of water on the surface. If the fabric absorbs the water quickly, it’s likely untreated canvas. If the water beads up or rolls off, the fabric may be coated or mixed with polyester.

4. Check the Weight
Canvas has a noticeable weight to it, even in thinner versions. If it feels too light or floppy for its size, it might not be true canvas.

5. Read the Label
Always check the product tag or details. Look for phrases like “100 percent cotton” or “linen canvas.” If it lists polyester or nylon, it’s a blended version.

6. Stretch It Gently
Canvas holds its shape. Try pulling the fabric slightly. If it stretches too much, it may contain more synthetic fiber than natural.

Quick tip: Trust your senses. If it feels strong, absorbs water, and lists natural fibers, chances are it’s genuine canvas.

Final notes,

Canvas is a strong, adaptable fabric that fits a wide range of uses.

Looking to turn your favorite memories into lasting wall art? Explore CanvasChamp’s range of high-quality canvas prints made with premium materials. They're built to last, easy to customize, and crafted to bring your space to life.

FAQs for Canvas Materials And Canvas Prints

Is canvas made of 100% cotton?

Yes, many canvas fabrics are made from 100 percent cotton. However, some include linen or a blend with polyester to improve strength and reduce shrinkage. Always check the label to be sure.

What is duck canvas vs regular canvas?

Duck canvas is a tightly woven, smoother, and heavier version of regular canvas. It feels more structured and works better for heavy-duty use like tool bags and upholstery.

Can canvas be waterproof?

Standard canvas is not waterproof, but it can be treated with wax or coatings to resist water. Waxed canvas and synthetic blends offer better protection against moisture.

Is canvas fabric eco-friendly?

Cotton or linen canvas is generally eco-friendly, especially if it’s organic. Blended or coated canvas may contain synthetic fibers, which are less biodegradable.

Does canvas shrink when washed?

Yes, pure cotton or linen canvas can shrink if washed in hot water or dried at high heat. Pre-washed or blended canvas shrinks less. It’s best to wash with care or spot clean when possible.