Some all purpose fabrics are medium to heavyweight. Among the recommended ones are bark cloth, cotton duck, and sailcloth. These are suitable for various sewing projects.
Sewing Bark Cloth Fabrics
This heavyweight cotton fabric has a coarse, rich texture. It is durable and strong. Bark cloth is a long lasting material.
Because bark cloth is rather bulky, it is somewhat harder to sew than medium weight cottons. Suitable seam types include mock flat-fell and lapped. Seam finishes are needed to prevent raveling. Stitching and pinking works well. A fairly heavy thread made of cotton or poly/cotton works well.
This material should be washed in cold water. Line dry. It will shrink if exposed to hot water or hot dryers. Bark cloth is appropriate for informal draperies and curtains. It is used for certain types of clothing, particularly skirts, vests, and jackets.
Sewing Cotton Duck Fabrics
Cotton duck is very thick and durable with a firm, close, tight, compact weave. The surface can be ribbed. This can be medium to heavyweight. Duck is a plain weave, coarsely woven fabric that feels similar to canvas. This strong material is available in solids and gorgeous prints as well as stripes and checks. It is often sold as a decorator fabric. Some duck materials have a stain-release finish.
Duck is bulky, which can make it harder to sew than some cottons. Cut one layer of the fabric at a time. Upholstery thread can be used for heavyweight duck. Both cotton and poly/cotton threads are suitable. Because this material can ravel, seam finishes are usually used. The seams are often pinked. Recommended seam types include lapped, mock flat-fell, and welt.
Cotton duck is likely to shrink. It is best to pre-shrink before cutting and sewing this material. Generally, this can be washed in cold water. Tumble dry on a low setting, or line dry. It will usually need pressing.
This material is used for informal curtains and other soft furnishings, such as cushion covers, floor cushions, upholstery, slip covers, draperies, and shades. This is also made into aprons. Duck is also useful for outdoor sewing projects, such as awnings and tents. Like sailcloth, it is a good choice for sails. This also serves as artists’ canvas.
Some of these materials are lightweight enough for clothing. In addition, duck is used for totes and crafts.
Sewing Sailcloth Fabrics
This is a medium to heavy weight fabric with a firm, close weave. It is lighter weight than canvas. Sailcloth tends to wrinkle easily. This sturdy, very strong, heavy duty cotton was once used for sails as the name indicates.
Because sailcloth is bulky, it can be hard to sew. It is best to cut one layer at a time. The seams should be stitched and pinked. Suitable seam types include mock flat-fell and lapped. Use heavy duty threads, such as cotton or poly/cotton.
Sailcloth will shrink if it is exposed to hot water and heat. For best results, wash in cold water. Hang up to dry. Dry cleaning is also an option.
Very suitable for country style decorating schemes, sail cloth is made into cushion covers, draperies, shower curtains, and slip covers. Because it is resistant to moisture, it is suitable for bathrooms and other damp locations. Lighter weight sailcloths are also made into garments, including casual clothing for adults and children.
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