Duck Fabric And Its Many Uses

By Author: Canwil
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Cotton duck fabric, also known as duck cloth or duck canvass, is a beautiful, vibrant material made from cotton fibers. It is useful for a wide variety of applications such as apparel, decor, pillows, crafts, outdoor upholstery, coverings for tables or walls and much more. This tough and durable cloth is used to make heavy duty sacks, sandbags, large tents and boat covers. Duck is perfect for slipcovers, duvet covers, toss pillows, shower curtains and window treatments. Cotton duck is a versatile fabric and can be machine washed and dried. This property also makes it easy to dye and sew.

Origin of the Name: It gets its name from the Dutch word “doek” meaning cotton cloth. It is available for use as artists' canvasses. Duck fabric is a plain weave fabric. It is without sizing or chemical finishes.
Weights and Measures: Cotton duck is classified according to weights. The grade 1 duck is the heaviest and grade 12 the lightest variety. The weights below 19 ounces are called numbered duck and over 19 ounces are naught duck, in a piece measuring 36"×22".

Weave: Duck is known as a plain-weave fabric, i.e. ...
... the threads alternate one-over, one-under, creating a criss – cross, checkerboard-like appearance.

Cost and Characteristics: Cotton duck is an inexpensive, durable fabric which is easy to wash, dye and sew. It does not require any special care and easily adapts to the changes in the weather. Duck cloth allows air and moisture to pass through easily. This quality makes it more comfortable than synthetics in summers.
Common Uses: Duck fabric has a wide range of applications. It is used to make shoes, fabric shower curtains, laundry bags and tote bags. Heavier weights may be used for hammocks, boat covers and sand bags. It can be used to make coats and other outerwear.

Drawbacks: As a natural fiber, cotton is subject to greater wear and tear than synthetic fibers. It may stretch and weaken or break when wet. It is not a waterproof fabric. It cannot withstand water and is prone to mildew unless it's treated against it.

Because it is cotton based, the duck fabric is also very absorbent. This can make canvas a difficult fabric to dry or wash in the washer or dryer.

Allergies: The cotton and linen in canvas can cause allergic reactions when it comes in contact with the skin, resulting in itchy skin, runny nose and watery eyes. You can treat these symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications and avoiding contact with canvas products.

Durability: Duck cotton is a soft fabric and is prone to rips and tears if you overload it or treat it roughly.
Art: Poorly prepared canvas cannot absorb paint or glue properly for art projects. In such a case, one needs to purchase a painting canvas that includes a primer so that the fabric absorbs the paint nicely.
Stains: Canvas is a lightweight and absorbent fabric. Because of this, it is prone to stain if you do not treat it with a stain-proofing solution.