Duck Cloth: What It Is, How It Is Woven, and How It Differs From Plain Canvas
Duck cloth is a firm, closely constructed plain-weave fabric that is commonly made from cotton. It belongs to the broader canvas family, but it is usually distinguished by its tighter construction, heavier or more substantial grades, and, in numbered duck, a specification system tied to weight, yarn construction, thread count, and performance requirements. The word canvas , by comparison, describes a broader class of strong woven fabrics and does not by itself identify one exact weight, yarn structure, density, or finish. That distinction matters because "duck," "duck cloth," "duck canvas," and "canvas" are often used interchangeably in retail and manufacturing language even though the fabrics behind those labels can differ. A more precise material description looks at the fabric itself: fiber, weave, yarn structure, weight, thread density, surface, finish, and intended use. The practical rule: duck cloth is best understood as a more speci...
