Canvas Types

FAQs

Learn more about the materials I use.

Printed cotton canvas is a great choice when a fun splash of colour and a more laid back feel is desired.
At Meadow Song, the prints used in cotton canvas are used to dress up a more utilitarian looking waxed canvas and to dress down a more classy looking Portuguese cork, giving a more relaxed feeling to the exterior of a bag.
On the inside of some Meadow Song bags, cotton canvas is paired with water resistant twill solids to add a pop of colour on interior slip pockets or as a little surprise on the inside of pockets.
The feel of cotton canvas falls somewhere between the sturdiness of waxed canvas and that of quilt cotton.
Cotton canvas comes in a very limited number of prints compared to quilt cotton, so if we are going for a specific look, we will occasionally use a quilt cotton as an interior fabric choice.
If soiled, carefully clean the surface of cotton canvas with a clean, damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent, if necessary.

I like to use dry oilskin material for both the exteriors and linings of bags I make.
Dry oilskin is treated with an emulsified wax that is heat-processed into the cloth for a longer lasting finish and a higher performance.
The finish on this unique material is vegan.
This type of oilskin is water resistant, meaning that water doesn’t completely run off, but it won’t come through to the other side either.
If soiled, carefully clean the surface by hand with a clean, damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent, if necessary.

I like to use a water resistant canvas on the linings of the bags I make to mitigate damage to bag exteriors or personal clothing, in the event that an inside of the handbag spill occurs.
This is a beautifully elegant fabric that has a slight lustre finish and a diagonal ribbed texture that is well suited for handbag linings.

I love to use waxed canvas!
In short, waxed canvas is a strong, durable cotton based fabric treated with a wax blend that gives it a water repellent quality.
On more rugged bags, I love to use waxed canvas for exteriors, straps, bag bottoms, and linings because it is a strong, durable, and water resistant material that stands up to the elements and wear and tear.
Waxed canvas will show lines and marks where folded and worn, and this creates a worn patina that is part of the rustic character of this material.
Do NOT iron waxed canvas.
If you would like to remove some of the marks from the surface of your waxed canvas, heat the area with a blow dryer.
Overtime the natural wax finish will eventually fade; however the colour, strength, and protection against the elements may be refreshed with products such as Tex Wax™ Refinishing Wax.
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth or brush and spot clean only as needed. Never dry clean or use any detergent; instead saddle soap and a damp cloth for stains.

Below, you’ll see a great selection of bag styles where I’ve used different types of canvas.