Utility Fabric

Utility Fabric
  • Charcoal Crocodile Marine Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • 100% Cotton Canvas Fabric Elephant Gray

    100% Cotton Canvas Fabric Elephant Gray
    Regular price $10.49
    Big Z Fabric has a new line of Assorted 100% Cotton Canvas Fabric in stock. Unfortunately this item does not have waterproof features but nonetheless it is still great for Outdoor Applications. This cotton canvas item is made from 100% Cotton along with a width of 59"/60" and 10oz weight. The item is sold by the yard and in continuous yards.
  • Wild Charcoal Mutant Ostrich Gator Embossed Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Poison Green Florida Gator 3D Embossed Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Navy Blue (12 Gauge) Tinted Plastic Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Turquoise (12 Gauge) Tinted Plastic Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Tide Blue Hydra Gator 3D Embossed Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Storm Shield Marine Vinyl – Heavy-Duty Weather Performance Vinyl / Charcoal Eclipse
  • Storm Shield Marine Vinyl – Heavy-Duty Weather Performance Vinyl / Purple Glow
  • Stone Gray Florida Gator 3D Embossed Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Sky Blue (12 Gauge) Tinted Plastic Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Desert Holographic Multi-Color Chrome Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Yellow (12 Gauge) Tinted Plastic Vinyl Fabric / Sold By The Yard
  • Heavy Duty Waxed Cotton Canvas Fabric - Moss
    Sold out

    Heavy Duty Waxed Cotton Canvas Fabric - Moss
    Regular price $48.29
    This Waxed Cotton is cotton impregnated with a paraffin or natural beeswax, based wax, woven into or applied to clothing. This industrial fabric is made up of 100% Cotton including a width of 58"/59.5". Moreover, this item is waterproof weighing in at an astounding 37oz a yard ideal for clothing, accessories and outdoor purposes just to name a few. This fabric is sold and shipped by the yard and in continuous yards.
  • Storm Shield Marine Vinyl – Heavy-Duty Weather Performance Vinyl / Firestorm Red
  • Storm Shield Marine Vinyl – Heavy-Duty Weather Performance Vinyl / Sunburst Orange

FAQ - Utility Fabric

Utility fabrics are used for functional, high-wear projects including tote bags, tool rolls, aprons, workwear, outdoor cushions and covers, marine and boat upholstery, storage organizers, outdoor furniture, and any project where the fabric needs to withstand heavy use or exposure to the elements.

Both are heavy, tightly woven cotton fabrics. Duck canvas is more densely woven than standard canvas, giving it greater strength and stiffness. Canvas has a slightly softer hand and is used for general bags and crafts, while duck canvas is preferred for workwear, heavy-duty bags, and applications requiring maximum durability.

Both are waterproof synthetic fabrics, but marine vinyl is specifically engineered for marine and outdoor environments. It is treated to resist UV degradation, mildew, salt water, and prolonged moisture exposure — making it the correct choice for boat upholstery, outdoor furniture, and any application subject to the elements.

Outdoor fabric and outdoor canvas are water-resistant, meaning they repel light moisture and dry quickly, but they are not fully waterproof under sustained exposure. Marine vinyl and standard vinyl are fully waterproof and are the correct choice for applications requiring complete moisture protection.

Use a heavy-duty or denim needle in size 100/16 or 110/18 for thick utility fabrics like canvas, duck canvas, and vinyl. These reinforced needles are designed to penetrate dense and coated materials cleanly. For vinyl and marine vinyl, a Teflon or roller foot is also recommended to prevent the material from sticking under the presser foot.