Choosing the right duck canvas weight isn’t complicated — if you know what the fabric is up against. This guide is for manufacturers, cut-and-sew shops, and industrial buyers. No fluff. Just what you need to spec the right weight.
Canvas Duck Quick Reference
| Canvas Duck | Approx. oz/sq yd | Duty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Single Fill / Army | 7–10.10 oz | Casual |
| #12 | 11.5 oz | Light-Duty |
| #10 | 14.7 oz | Light-Duty |
| #8 | 18 oz | Medium-Duty |
| #6 | 20 oz | Medium-Duty |
| #4 | 24 oz | Heavy-Duty |
| #1 | 28 oz | Heavy-Duty |
| 1/0, 2/0 Naught | 28–32 oz | Extra-Heavy |
Casual: Under 11 oz (Single Fill Ducks and Army Ducks)
Single Fill Ducks (7–10 oz) are lighter, economical, and ideal for promotional tote bags, giveaways, dust covers, and light linings. Army Ducks (10.10 oz) are a step up — tightly woven, smooth, and the most popular fabric for printed tote bags, aprons, and artist canvas. If you’re screen-printing or need a clean, even surface, Army Duck is the go-to.
Light-Duty: 11–15 oz (#12 and #10 Duck)
Best for tote bags, artist canvas, promotional giveaways, filter cloth, and seat covers. Smooth surface. Holds its shape without being stiff. #10 Duck is the most popular all-purpose weight — around 14.7 oz. We also stock it in dyed colors.
Medium-Duty: 18–20 oz (#8 and #6 Duck)
Built for sturdy tote bags, tool bags, nail aprons, mail bags, military covers, and conveyor belts. At 18–20 ounces, these take rough handling, sharp edges, and daily abuse. If your product has to survive a jobsite, start here.
Heavy-Duty: 23–28 oz (#4 and #1 Duck)
For heavy tool bags, pannier bags, equestrian gear, rubber belting, and construction equipment. These are plied-yarn fabrics — 5 plies in both directions — and they don’t give up. #4 Duck in particular is a favorite among high-end bag makers.
Extra-Heavy: 28–32 oz (1/0 and 2/0 Naught Duck)
The heaviest cotton canvas we stock. Used for industrial belting, rubber boots, saddle panniers, and anything that needs to outlast the warranty. Woven on shuttle looms with closed selvedge. 2/0 is as heavy as commercially available duck canvas gets.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Loom settings, yarn quality, temperature, and humidity can affect final fabric properties. Always test before production.
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All our duck canvas is tested to ASTM D5034 (tensile) and ASTM D2261 (tear). Specs are published — no waiting.
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Need custom widths, dyeable grades, or eco-friendly recycled options? Just ask.
Not sure which weight fits your spec?
Describe the job. We’ll point you to the right fabric and back it with documentation. That’s what the phone is for.
📞 +1-843-647-6363 | [Request a quote]
Still deciding? Compare all grades side-by-side on our [Fabric Specification Chart]
