In
tailoring, a floating canvas is a
fabric panel sewn inside the front of a
suit jacket or
coat
A coat typically is an outer garment for the upper body as worn by either gender for warmth or fashion. Coats typically have long sleeves and are open down the front and closing by means of buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, toggles, a ...
. The floating canvas adds structure to the front panel of a jacket, and ensures that the jacket drapes properly and maintains its shape over time. It is traditionally made from
horsehair,
woven together with
wool,
cotton,
linen
Linen () is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Linen is very strong, absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments. It also ...
, or
synthetic fiber
Synthetic fibers or synthetic fibres (in British English; see spelling differences) are fibers made by humans through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibers that are directly derived from living organisms, such as plants (like cotton) ...
s. The horsehair is used on the
weft, and the other fabric on the warp. The floating canvas is loosely handstitched in place between the outer jacket fabric and the inner
lining
Lining may refer to:
* Lining (sewing), the process of inserting an inner layer of fabric, fur, or other material
* Lining of paintings, the process of restoration paintings by attaching a new canvas to the back of the existing one
* Brake linin ...
.
The stitch used to secure floating canvas is called a pad stitch.
A full canvas is a floating canvas that lies along the entire front of the jacket, from the shoulder seam and
lapel to the bottom hem.
A half canvas is a floating canvas that reaches from the shoulder seam and lapel to halfway down the chest.
A half canvas is often supplemented with fusible
interfacing that provides structure to the remainder of the jacket front.
Fusible (or glued) interlinings are considered to be of lower quality than their canvassed counterparts, since the interlining can separate from the main fabric, causing unsightly bubbling.
References
Sewing
Jackets
Coats (clothing)
{{Clothing-stub