Most of the Tote Bag Sellers list their Cotton Bags as a canvas bag. Even though there is a difference in the Cotton Fabric and the Canvas Fabric. Based on how these names are used it creates a lot of confusion for the Tote Bag user and the Tote Bag sellers.
Canvas is a fabric with Tight weave and diagonal weave (Strong bias). Canvas Fabric usually is Diagonal texture on one side, smoother on the other. The Shrinkage is very high in Canvas Material. The Canvas can be made of Cotton, Hemp or other natural or poly fabrics.
The Plain Cotton Fabric is made from unbleached cotton thread with Light regular weave. Since the thread is unbleached and natural the weave may be uneven and looks very natural.
Let us also examine the difference in Plain Cotton Fabric and Cotton Canvas Fabric:
Material | Plain Cotton Cloth is made from unbleached cotton. | Cotton Canvas Cloth is made of strong think cotton fabric that may be bleached or unbleached |
Weave | Plain weave – over and under weave | Diagonal Weave – Series of parallel diagonal ribs |
Texture | Uneven, may contain spots of natural seed | Diagonal texture on one side, smoother on the other. May contain spots of natural seed |
Weight | Light Weight | Medium Weight |
Shrinkage | Small percentage shrinkage in Plan Cotton Fabric | Usually the Natural cotton Canvas has a lot of shrinkage unless it is made of processed Cotton Fabric |
Durability | durable cloth that is washable and will wear in over time becoming very soft and comfy | Durable, Soft & Even and resistance to wrinkles – this makes it great for upholstery, Clothing and Tote Bags. Cotton Canvas is usually not the best for Washing |
Soil Level | Easily gets soiled after use | Since the Canvas weave is tight not easy to get soiled. And can be easily spot cleaned |
Other Variants & Names | Cotton duck fabrics | Cotton Twill, Denim, Cotton Drill |