This durable textile, known for its robust weave and versatility, has a rich history and a wide range of applications. From sturdy workwear to stylish home décor, duck fabric’s enduring appeal makes it a staple in various industries.
We’ll delve into everything you need to know about this remarkable material-duck fabric. Explore its composition, maintenance, and the diverse ways it’s used today. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or simply curious, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of duck fabric.
What Is Duck Fabric?
Duck cloth has been around for a long time, but not many people recognize it by name. What is duck cloth? Duck cloth fabric is a plain-woven cotton fabric, commonly known as canvas duck. While most people are familiar with canvas fabric, comparing duck cloth to canvas is essentially comparing the same type of fabric.
So, what is duck fabric? It’s a tightly woven plain weave canvas, usually heavier than other types of canvas or cotton canvas fabric. Originally made from natural cotton, duck canvas or duck cloth has numerous uses and lends itself to a variety of applications.
What Is Duck Fabric History?
Duck fabric, also known as duck cloth or canvas duck, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The term “duck” originates from the Dutch word “doek,” which means “cloth.” Historically, duck fabric was used for sails and tents due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
In the early days of sailing, the strong and tightly woven nature of duck fabric made it an ideal choice for sails, which needed to withstand harsh sea conditions. Its robustness also made it suitable for tents and other outdoor gear, providing reliable protection against the elements.
During the 19th century, duck fabric became widely used in the United States for workwear. Farmers, miners, and laborers favored it for its toughness and ability to endure rigorous use. Over time, its applications expanded to include a variety of products such as bags, upholstery, and even military uniforms.
The versatility and strength of duck fabric have kept it relevant through the ages. Today, it remains a popular choice for a broad range of applications, from fashion to industrial uses, continuing its legacy as a durable and dependable fabric.
What Is Duck Fabric Made Of?
Duck fabric, often referred to as duck cloth or duck canvas, is primarily made of cotton. It’s characterized by its heavy, plain weave, which contributes to its renowned durability.
The term “duck” originates from the Dutch word “doek,” meaning “cloth.” While cotton duck is the most common variety, linen duck also exists, though it’s less frequently used.
Woven with two yarns together in the warp and a single yarn in the weft.
Composition:
- Primarily cotton.
- Historically, linen was also used.
Weave:
- A plain weave, which is a simple interlacing of warp and weft threads.
- Tightly woven, making it stronger than regular canvas.
Types Of Duck Fabric
There are various types of canvas-weight fabrics. Historically, they had specific names such as army, belting, and sail. Nowadays, these different weights of duck canvas are not named but are instead numbered for easy identification.
Single-Filled Cotton Fabric
Single-filled cotton duck fabric is typically lightweight, loosely woven in the Oxford style, and made from non-plied single yarns. The most common single-filled ducks weigh 7, 10, and 12 ounces per square yard, with the weight indicating how much one square yard weighs.
Popular projects that use single-filled cotton duck fabric include liners, tablecloths, slipcovers, bags, and industrial covers. Since single-filled duck cloth has one yarn in the weft, it is slightly softer and more flexible than numbered duck cloth styles.
Numbered Cotton Duck Cloth Canvas
Numbered duck cloth, a heavier plain weave fabric, uses plied yarns that range from 12 to 32 ounces per square yard. For example, #1 cotton duck cloth canvas is 32 oz/square yard, while #12 cotton duck cloth canvas is 12 oz/square yard. Our tightly woven cotton duck cloth, known for its firm feel, comes in widths from 22″ to 150″. This style, often referred to as wide duck, uses an inverse scale for weight measurement.
To determine the fabric’s weight, subtract the duck number from 19. For instance, number 8 cotton duck fabric weighs 11 ounces per lineal yard (22″ wide). To convert this to ounces per square yard, prorate the width to 36″ since one square yard of fabric is 36″ by 36″. Therefore, 11 ounces per lineal yard is equivalent to 18 oz/sq. yd. While this system may seem a bit confusing, it originates from the original numbering method used for duck cloth.
Is this fabric right for your next project? Learn more about different duck cloth varieties to find the perfect one for your needs.
Army Cotton Duck Cloth
Our army cotton duck cloth is available in 10 oz and 15 oz varieties. This plain-woven fabric is made from two-ply yarns, which are finer and tighter than those used in traditional numbered duck canvas. As a result, army cotton duck cloth is firmer than single-filled fabrics. Originally used for army tents and clothing, this versatile cotton duck fabric is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Belting Cotton Fabric Duck
Belting cotton duck canvas, a robust, plain-woven fabric made from plied yarns, is specifically designed for conveyor belts. Its strength primarily comes from its fill yarns, making it exceptionally thick and ideal for enduring tough wear and tear conditions.
Hose Cotton Duck Fabric
Originally used as a liner for garden hoses, hose cotton duck cloth features a soft, open plain weave fabric woven from plied yarn. This type of cotton duck canvas was initially employed in fire hoses before the widespread availability of rubber and other materials. Today, it remains a durable choice for emergency water pumping and sump pump applications.
Boot or Bootleg Cotton Duck Fabric
Similar in construction to hose duck cloth, bootleg cotton duck cloth is a soft and flexible fabric made from plied warp and fill yarns. This type of cotton duck cloth is commonly used in the legs of rubber boots and for reinforcing plastic materials. Its fine duck canvas weave allows it to conform comfortably to the wearer while providing water resistance.
Biscuit Cotton Duck Fabric
Biscuit cotton duck cloth, the heaviest range of numbered ducks, is ideal for quilting projects. This durable fabric serves do-it-yourselfers in various applications, offering versatility and strength.
Chafer Cotton Duck Fabric
Chafer cotton fabric, featuring a lightweight single yarn, is well-suited for crafting bags, box springs or mattress covers, linings, and upholstery. It provides a medium texture, and balanced strength, and typically weighs between 8 to 17 ounces per square yard.
Enameling Cotton Duck Fabric
Enameling cotton duck cloth typically features two parallel warp yarns when woven. This fabric is available in single or double-filled flat duck canvas styles and is commonly used for rubber industry liners, as well as in canvas footwear, coats, aprons, and bookbinding. Known for its delicate weave, this duck canvas is excellent for finer applications.
Flat Cotton Duck Fabric
The term flat duck describes this canvas-weight fabric, available in single and double-filled varieties. Two strands of single yarn weave side by side (warp yarn) and interlace with a filling yarn.
This medium-weight material is versatile and suits various applications. It looks stylish whether hung on a wall at home or used as a purse slung over your shoulder. It’s also suitable for painting, making it an excellent choice as an artist’s canvas.
Shelter Tent Cotton Duck Fabric
Shelter tent cotton duck fabric is an excellent option for covering boats, campers, or antique cars. This plain carded cotton duck cloth features two plied yarns in both warp and weft, weighing approximately 8.5 ounces per square yard. It is equally suitable for tents, tipis, bed rolls, or even sauna covers.
Properties Of Duck Fabric
Durability And Strength
Duck fabric is renowned for its robustness and longevity. Its tight, plain weave structure and use of sturdy cotton yarns contribute to its ability to withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like bags, workwear, and upholstery.
Is Duck Fabric Waterproof?
While duck fabric is not inherently waterproof, its dense weave provides a degree of water resistance. This property, combined with its breathability, allows moisture to evaporate quickly, preventing mildew and maintaining comfort in various climates.
Ease Of Dyeing And Printing
Duck fabric’s smooth surface and tight weave make it receptive to dyes and printing processes. This versatility allows for vibrant colors and intricate designs, making it a popular choice for customized products and artistic applications.
What Is Duck Fabric Used For?
Duck cloth has greatly benefited today’s modern and innovative industries by contributing to the creation of numerous valuable products that simplify and enhance everyday life. From bags and shoes to covers and treatments, it’s clear why duck fabric is one of the most durable, versatile, and practical materials available. Here are some of the many products you can make from cotton duck fabric:
Stroller Covers And Baby Carriers
Stroller covers and baby carriers should be crafted from soft and comfortable materials that are ideal for delicate skin. Duck fabric, which becomes gentler and softer after multiple washes, is not only kind to the skin but also durable enough to resist tearing.
Shoes And Sneakers
A wide variety of shoes and sneakers made from duck fabric can be found in malls, stalls, and department stores.
Window Treatments
Window treatments and backdrops such as curtains can be quite expensive as home decor elements. However, opting for duck fabric enables you to design personalized creations that align with your preferences, all while keeping costs down.
Meal Bags
Duck fabric is perfect for crafting meal or lunch bags! Instead of spending a fortune on purchasing lunch bags for your children, you can create your own using duck cloth. This not only allows you to craft a bag from scratch but also gives you the freedom to personalize and customize it to your liking.
Handbags, Tote Bags, Backpacks, Aprons
If you’re thinking about crafting a stylish handbag, duck cloth could be the perfect fabric for your project. Known for its heavy weave and tightly woven yarns, it’s ideal for creative endeavors requiring durability and resilience against wear and tear.
Homemade Canvases
Did you know traditional artist canvases for paintings can be expensive? Why not create your own blank canvas for portraits and abstract art using cotton duckcloth fabric? You can even fashion small canvases by attaching canvas pieces to Popsicle sticks using hot glue. Simply glue four Popsicle sticks together to form a mini frame, wrap duck cloth around them, and allow it to dry to create your own mini canvas.
Tents And Shelters
In addition to its other uses, duck cloth can also serve as shelter material. Known as Army Duck or shelter fabric, it’s a medium-weight, versatile fabric woven tightly with plied yarns for durability. Its strength and resistance to damage come from the tightly woven yarns. Army Duck or Shelter Duck features smaller, finer yarns that create a smooth texture, ideal for intricate elements in portrait paintings.
Moreover, Army Duck is suitable for tent roofs, providing extra shade for outdoor parties and activities. It effectively blocks sunlight, ensuring a cool and shaded environment throughout the day.
Duck Fabric Maintenance And Care Tips
To maintain the integrity of duck fabric, regular care is essential. Spot cleaning with mild detergent and water is effective for everyday dirt and stains. For deeper cleaning, gentle hand washing or machine washing on a delicate cycle with cold water is recommended. Air drying or tumble drying on low heat helps preserve its texture and color vibrancy.
Caring for duck fabric can vary depending on whether it’s plain cotton duck or a treated version like waxed canvas. Here’s a general guide:
General Cotton Duck Care:
- Washing:
- Hand washing is often recommended, especially for items you want to preserve.
- If machine washing, use cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Due to potential shrinkage, especially with untreated duck cloth, some people pre-wash the fabric before sewing.
- Avoid harsh detergents and bleach.
- Drying:
- Air drying is best to prevent shrinkage.
- If using a dryer, use a low heat setting.
- Ironing:
- A medium-heat iron can be used to remove wrinkles. Steaming can also be helpful.
- Shrinkage:
- Cotton duck is prone to shrinkage, so be mindful of this when washing.
Waxed Canvas Care:
- Cleaning:
- Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is typically sufficient.
- Avoid machine washing, as it can remove the wax finish.
- If necessary, hand wash with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Re-waxing:
- Over time, the wax finish may wear off. You can re-wax the fabric with a specialized wax product to maintain its water resistance.
- General advice:
- Avoid the use of harsh chemicals.
- When storing duck cloth items, ensure they are in a dry location.
Important Considerations:
- Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for specific recommendations.
- Treated duck fabrics, such as those with water-resistant coatings, may require special care.
- Because of the tight weave of duck cloth, when machine washing, it is possible to get crease marks. So it is very important to remove the item from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is done, and to lay the item out flat to dry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring duck fabric reveals a versatile material known for durability and strength. Its tight weave and sturdy cotton fibers make it ideal for diverse uses from heavy-duty outdoor gear to stylish home furnishings.
Whether for its water resistance, breathability, or ease of customization, duck fabric offers reliability and functionality in every application. Consider its weave, weight, and intended use to maximize performance and longevity in your projects.
FAQs about Duck Fabric
What is duck fabric good for?
Duck fabric is known for its durability and strength. It is often used for making workwear, outdoor gear like tents and tarps, and heavy-duty bags. It can withstand rough use and is resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for activities that require sturdy materials.
What’s the difference between canvas and duck fabric?
Canvas is a general term for a heavy-duty fabric. Duck fabric is a type of canvas that is typically made of tightly woven cotton. Duck fabric is denser and more tightly woven than some types of canvas, which gives it greater durability and resistance to wear. It also often has a slightly different texture and finish.
What does “duck” mean in fabric?
In fabric terminology, “duck” refers to a tightly woven, heavy cotton fabric. The name may have originated from the Dutch word “doek,” which means linen cloth. Over time, “duck” has come to be associated with a specific type of sturdy cotton fabric.
Is duck material waterproof?
Duck fabric on its own is not waterproof. However, it can be treated with waterproof coatings or laminates to make it water-resistant or waterproof. Some duck fabrics are also designed to repel water to a certain extent due to their tight weave and natural properties, but they are not fully waterproof without additional treatment.
Is duck more durable than denim?
When comparing duck fabric and denim for durability, it’s important to consider their weave and typical applications. Duck fabric, especially in its “duck canvas” form, is known for its very tight, plain weave. This construction makes it exceptionally strong and resistant to tearing. This is why it’s often used in heavy-duty applications like workwear, tarps, and bags.
Denim, on the other hand, utilizes a twill weave, which also contributes to its strength. However, duck fabric’s denser weave generally gives it an edge in terms of raw durability. That being said, denim is also very durable, and the weight of the denim also heavily effects the durability. Heavier weight denim is very durable. The way each fabric breaks in, is also different. Duck cloth tends to stay more ridged, while denim tends to form to the body more. So, while duck may be considered more durable in a pure strength sense, denim remains a very strong fabric, that is very versatile.
Does duck fabric soften?
Yes, duck fabric does soften over time and with use. Initially, especially in its heavier canvas forms, duck cloth can feel quite stiff and rigid. This is due to its tight weave and the robust nature of the cotton fibers. However, with repeated washing and wear, the fabric gradually becomes more pliable and comfortable.
The softening process can be accelerated through methods like pre-washing, using fabric softeners, or even tumble drying on a low heat setting. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential shrinkage, especially with untreated cotton duck. The degree of softening also depends on the specific type of duck fabric; lighter weights will naturally soften more quickly than heavier ones. Ultimately, the fabric will become more comfortable and acquire a desirable, worn-in feel.
