Canvas is an industrial-grade fabric with a sturdy body that’s known for its high resilience. From being used for ship sails and tents, it is now used for painting, fashion design, home decor, and industrial purpose uses. In India, canvas is famous in the fields of painting, bag manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging products.
What is Canvas Made Of?

Canvas is fabric which is made of either cotton, linen, polyester or a combination of them. Each of this material comes with distinct advantages when clutching texture, strength and cost.
- Cotton: Soft, breathable and wallet friendly
- Linen: Tough with finer texture, sought after by painters
- Polyester: Absorbent and light
- Blended: Uses both natural and synthetic fibers for optimum durability.
A canvas fabric will typically have a plain weave which aids in defining its strength, and ability to hold weight and color.
What is Canvas Fabric?
Canvas fabric uses strong cotton or linen to create a high-performance material known for its durability. It has a rough surface which is quite thick and it can contain paint or ink. Durable items such as:
- Wall art prints
- Bags and shoes
- Tents and awnings
- Outdoor furniture and upholstery
Artists usually prep canvas with gesso before painting to keep the colors vibrant and prevent paint from seeping into the fibers.
Uses of Canvas in India
Canvas is widely used across various sectors in India due its reasonable price, ability to sustain the environment, and its strength. Some key uses include:
- Art Supplies: Paintable stretched canvas and roll canvas for painters
- Handbags: Strong material used for pouches, duffel bags, and handbags
- Tent Manufacturing: Used in camping tents, the material is waterproof and UV resistant
- Upholstery: Used in modern or rustic slipcovers and cushions for furniture
- Eco-Friendly Products: Canvas in place of plastic shopping bags or packaging materials.
Numerous Indian online retailers and brands, such as ItsyBitsy, Fabriclore, and Amazon India, provide a wide range of canvas products designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Also Read This: Types of Sofa Cloth Materials
Conclusion
Canvas is a versatile and timeless fabric that has made its way into homes, studios, and workshops across India. Regardless of whether you are an artist, designer, or a conscious shopper, having knowledge of canvas will help you select the right one for your use. As the movement towards eco-friendly and hand-crafted products increases in India, the significance of canvas is also increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. In India, what are the uses of canvas fabric?
In addition to painting, people use canvas fabric to sew bags, fashion accessories, tents, and even eco-friendly packaging.
2. Which is better, cotton or polyester canvas?
Cotton is breathable and of natural origin while polyester is more durable and water-resistant. The best option is blended canvas as it provides the best of both.
3. What is the best way to clean canvas fabric?
It is best to use a soft brush with some mild detergent. Refrain from soaking cotton canvas into water for long durations as it has the tendency to shrink.
4. Where can I purchase canvas material in India?
You can buy canvas fabric online from sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Fabriclore, and the ItsyBitsy craft store.
5. What GSM is best for canvas fabric?
While for painting, 250 to 350 GSM is the best, for bag making and upholstering, it is advisable to use 350 and above for added durability.