Tote bags are among the most preferred personal products today because they are easy to produce and low cost. However, ideal, sturdy and durable tote bags are not made of every fabric. For a qualified tote bag, long-lasting and environmentally friendly fabrics that can withstand heavy loads must be used. In this article, we will examine the cloth fabric used in tote bags, jute and canvas, which are the two most preferred fabric types, and we will decide together which one is the most ideal fabric.
Although jute fabric is generally used in home textile products with its rough and coarse texture, the production of sweaters and jackets made with this fabric is increasing. The most common uses of jute fabric, which is synonymous with burlap, are upholstery and decor products due to its durability. Jute yarn, which ranks second in the world after cotton, is a natural yarn and is considered an environmentally friendly fiber when considering petroleum-based polymer yarns.
Natural, Stylish, Long-Lasting: Jute Fabric
Jute is the cheapest type of yarn in the world produced from fiber plants and fibers. Its natural structure gives it a silky and golden appearance. Their ecological nature prevents them from being used instead of polyurethane or polypropylene as packaging materials in many countries. There may be differences in the quality of the fabric depending on the season and geography in which it grows. The coarse fibers of jute fabric, which is widely used today, are used in packaging, burlap, and carpet base production, while the waste materials are used in upholstery. Quality fibers can often be used to make items such as dresses, curtains, runners and tablecloths when blended with other fibers. In addition, jute not only appeals to the textile industry, but also has a structure suitable for use in areas such as bags, shoes, construction, automotive, maritime and pharmaceutical industries.
Jute, an annual herbaceous plant, grows in tropical climates. Its homeland is India and Bangladesh. It has small yellow flowers and a structure that turns from white to brown. Although it is a woody annual plant that can reach up to 5 meters in height, fiber production is generally done with the Corchours capstilaris L species, despite its many varieties. Being very economical makes it a reason for preference, and jute is coming to life again with its positive contributions to health and the environment.
Jute, which is planted in March and April and harvested 4-5 months later, produces soft fibers when collected when the plants bloom, but delayed harvesting causes these fibers to become hard. After the collection process, the yellow fibers begin to dry and turn brown.
Jute has a rough texture. It is known for its long-term durability, especially in outdoor applications. Although most jute fibers are light brown, off-white varieties are also available. Thick and natural jute fiber is easy to work with, it is a very breathable but heat resistant product. This feature makes it an ideal clothing material for hot and humid climates.
Jute is environmentally friendly and mixes with the soil when it rots. Since it has high moisture absorption properties, it can absorb a lot of moisture in humid environments. It has a strong structure but is not flexible. Quality fine fibers are mixed with other materials and used in products such as clothing and curtains. Generally produced jute fibers are preferred for making cover fabrics, sacks, jute bags twine and rope.
Can be mixed with viscose, polyester, wool. However, the number of products made from cotton blends is increasing. This paves the way for its use in textiles.
The Marvelous Linen: Canvas Fabrics
Canvas, which is the first type of fabric that comes to mind when it comes to spring and summer seasons, is a piece of fabric that is frequently used in daily life. It is mostly preferred in sportswear products. Its durable structure creates a bright and high-quality impression in terms of appearance. The most important feature of thick linen fabrics is that the back and front sides are the same.
Linen fabrics with the same front and back sides and a thick structure consist of a certain dot pattern and are a very durable type of fabric. It is woven from loose-textured, linen or wool/linen blend worsted yarns as a summer fabric.
Canvas fabrics can be used for many different purposes by printing on it. It is widely used in the advertising industry, it is used as a decor tool with various styles of prints made on it, and it has also been used as a wall painting wrapped on hoops.
Linen is among the most used fabric types in the textile industry. Canvas, which is between fabric and denim in terms of structure, is indispensable for sportswear brands. Those who like to wear sportswear generally prefer clothes made of canvas fabric. Clothes produced with canvas look both stylish and comfortable.
This sturdy fabric offers both elegance and comfort together. It is a very durable fabric due to its heavy and rustic structure. Clothes made from this fabric can be used for many years. Being a cotton fabric, it provides comfortable use in summer and winter. In addition to the advertising and textile industry, canvas fabric is also at the forefront in upholstery.
Since it is a type of fabric that is compatible with printing, it has both patterned and plain models. Apart from fashion, it is also used in the decoration industry. It is a type of fabric that is frequently preferred in products produced for decorative purposes. Therefore, canvas fabric and its derivatives are used, especially in tote bags that can be personalized. Thanks to the easy dyeability of the fabric and its ability to hold the print, a bag that is both durable and open to different designs and modifications is obtained.
Which One Makes the Best?
As they have different usage areas and texture, jute and canvas fabrics feature different advantages and disadvantages. Now let's compare these two valuable fabrics:
- Jute tote bags has a rough and coarse texture, while canvas has a smoother and softer feel. This makes canvas more comfortable to touch and handle. Thanks to its soft texture, the canvas bag will provide a more comfortable use, especially in daily use and when you need to carry it with you for a long time.
- Jute bags have a natural and rustic appearance, which some people find appealing for a specific aesthetic. Although it provides a vintage look, jute is not preferred in designer bags because it has a hard fabric. Therefore, jute burlap tote bags make an ideal companion for stylistic purposes. Canvas, on the other hand, is more versatile in terms of color and design possibilities. The soft texture of the fabric and the fact that it is made of cotton enable almost all kinds of paint to be applied easily and permanently.
- Both jute and canvas are durable materials, but canvas is known for its superior strength and ability to withstand heavy loads over an extended period. Therefore, you can use jute burlap bags as promotional tote bags or for gift purposes. Canvas bags will be ideal, durable products for shopping, carrying books or as school bags.
- Jute is considered more eco-friendly due to its renewable and biodegradable nature. However, canvas made from organic cotton can be a more sustainable option compared to conventionally grown cotton canvas.
- Jute is often chosen for eco-friendly and rustic-themed tote bags, while canvas is more versatile and can be adapted to various styles and purposes.
Last Words
As we can see, both fabrics are the most preferred in tote bag production, are easy to produce and design, and are also environmentally friendly. However, they may differ in terms of use under heavy loads and the type of ink that can be used in printing. You visit our catalogue to decide which one is better according to your usage area and purpose and design your tote bag yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which fabric is more environmentally friendly, jute, or canvas?
A: Jute is considered more environmentally friendly than canvas because it is biodegradable and requires fewer pesticides and water during cultivation. It is a sustainable option due to the rapid growth of the jute plant.
Q: Is jute or canvas more durable for tote bags?
A: Canvas is generally more durable than jute. Canvas fabric is tightly woven and can withstand heavy use, making it a preferred choice for tote bags that will carry a lot of weight or endure rough handling.
Q: Which fabric is better for printing custom designs on tote bags, jute, or canvas?
A: Canvas is better suited for printing custom designs on tote bags because it has a smoother and more uniform surface compared to the rough texture of jute. This allows for more precise and vibrant printing.
Q: Is jute or canvas more water-resistant for tote bags?
A: Canvas is more water-resistant than jute. Jute can easily absorb moisture and may not be suitable for protecting items in wet conditions. Canvas can provide better protection against light rain or spills.
Q: Which fabric is more lightweight, jute, or canvas?
A: Jute is generally lighter in weight than canvas. This can be an advantage if you want a lightweight tote bag for carrying everyday essentials without adding unnecessary bulk.
Q: Which fabric is easier to clean and maintain, jute, or canvas?
A: Canvas is easier to clean and maintain than jute. Canvas can be machine-washed, whereas jute may require more delicate cleaning methods to avoid damage.
Q: Are there any specific care instructions for jute or canvas tote bags?
A: Canvas tote bags are easier to care for and can be machine-washed. Jute tote bags, on the other hand, should be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned to avoid damage to the natural fibers.