Shrinkage on canvas

[TinStar]

I was going to try and make a bag from some old(very old) burlap I had and the weave was not as tight as I first thought. So I bought a couple of yards of canvas from a local fabric dealer and forgot to ask her about shrinkage. Should I wash and dry the fabric before I start the bag or just go ahead and make it and let the chips fall where they will?

They also have some heavy duty cotton strapping about an 1 1/4 wide. Would that be OK for shoulder straps?


TinStar
Soli deo Gloria!

 

[omarick1948]

That would depend on the TYPE of canvas. Treated or un-treated? .. A quick phone call to where you bought might help!

Rick

 

[TinStar]

I will do that in the AM.

What if teated? What if untreated? What's the procedure?

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!

 

[necchi]

When treated I'm sure means "waterproof" like Tent canvas or Marine grade,
Most of the canvas bought at fabric shops is not treated as in water proof, Yes the stuff does have "sizing" which will inhibit water for the most part until machine washed or really soaked.
And it'll shrink a good 5% (and get all wrinkley)

In my experiance, canvis bags are best made without washing and shrinking (Machine drying hot).
They will maintain their shape better and normal use will soon enough lend the "patina" alot of guys look for.
If it's machine washed and dried, canvas gets limp and wrinkled and the sack acts more like a plastic bag from the grocery.

For the canvas shoulder strap I like 2" wide. I'll cut new canvas 4 1/4" wide, longer than I need for the strap,(you actually need alot to get around your shoulder) fold it in half and run a tight zig-zag down the length, then useing a coat hanger or other wire reach down it's length, hook it, and turn it inside out. Drag out the Iron and Ironing board, set the Iron on low steam and press the shoulder strap flat keeping the seam on the edge.

 

[colmoultrie]

Or take an 8" wide strip, fold the edges lengthwise into the middle until the edges meet, then fold that lengthwise again, so that you have a 2" wide piece. Then sew up the two new sides, and you have a padded strap with no need to turn inside out (I find turning stiff canvas a real pain).

 

[TinStar]

Thanks for the info gentlemen!

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!