What weight canvas do I need? A guide by end use
The most common question we get is "what weight canvas should I order?" — usually with no end use attached. Weight on its own does not answer it; the job does. Here is the practical shortlist.
By product
| Product | Weight | g/m² | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotional / event tote | 5–7 oz | 170–240 | Cost per unit and print area matter more than load |
| Everyday shopper / book tote | 8–10 oz | 270–340 | Stands up empty, still comfortable to carry and sew |
| Grocery / tool bag | 12–16 oz | 410–540 | Carries weight, holds hardware, survives abrasion |
| Apron / workwear | 8–12 oz | 270–410 | Structure without stiffness, washes well |
| Cushion / furniture cover | 10–14 oz | 340–470 | Holds shape on a frame, takes a rub test |
| Tent / marquee panel | 12–15 oz | 410–510 | Weather load, seam strength, still workable |
| Tarpaulin / machine cover | 16–24 oz | 540–800 | Maximum abrasion and tear, proofed |
| Artist canvas | 7–12 oz | 240–410 | Even surface, takes primer and stretch tension |
Three things that change the answer
- Stitching and hardware. Rivets, D-rings and webbing need a cloth that will not tear at the fixing. Go one band heavier than the "carry weight" alone suggests.
- Finish. A PU or PVC coating adds effective weight and stiffness; you can often drop a band if the cloth is coated.
- Width. If you need a seamless panel wider than 98 inches, that constrains the loom before the weight does — sort the width first.
Duck or canvas?
At the same weight, a tight plain-weave duck is firmer and more abrasion-resistant; a canvas (especially basket weave) is a touch softer and more pliable. For bags and structured goods, duck. For covers and drape, canvas. Both are made to order here from 100 m.
Tell us the product and we will send the exact construction and a swatch.