Dowlas Linen for use in interfacing Pastor or priest stoles, Roman Chasubles, and for Historic and Period Costuming

Dowlas is a time-tested linen fabric rooted in centuries of workshop use, valued for its strength, stability, and honest construction. Traditionally woven as a durable, plain cloth, it serves today as an excellent interfacing layer for projects that require structure without unnecessary bulk.

In vestment making, the unseen layers matter just as much as the visible ones. Dowlas provides the internal support that allows a piece to hang properly, wear well, and maintain its shape over time.

This makes it especially well-suited for:

• Church banners – adds body and prevents sagging
• Clergy stoles – gives clean lines and consistent drape
• Latin Mass chasubles – supports structured silhouettes without stiffness

The fabric has a firm hand with just enough flexibility to work easily during construction, while remaining stable once sewn into place. It pairs well with both natural fibers and brocades, acting as a reliable foundation layer beneath more decorative materials.

For those who value traditional methods and materials, Dowlas offers a practical, historically grounded solution—a true workshop fabric designed to support sacred craftsmanship from the inside out.

 Width: 54" (137cm)

Fiber Content: 100% Linen

Dowlas is also a great fabric for making historical costume pieces such as aprons, and pockets.

How It Was Used

Dowlas was not luxury fabric. It was used for:

• Work shirts and garments
• Aprons and overalls
• Soldiers’ gear (gaiters)
• Linings and utility textiles

It was basically the “blue collar linen” of its time. Here are a few additional historical notes on dowlas.

• Dowlas was a coarse linen cloth widely used in the 16th–18th centuries
• Originally made in Brittany, France, then later in England and Scotland
• It was:
  • Strong
  • Durable
  • Plain-woven
  • Comparable to sailcloth

Dowlas will add body to clergy stoles and altar hangings without being stiff.

It is recommended that all linens be pre-washed prior to preshrink. Please allow extra yardage to account for shrinkage.

Purchase Options:

• BY THE YARD
• SWATCH SAMPLE SIZE FOR COLOR CHECK ONLY - APPROXIMATELY 2" x 4" 
  • Please see note below before ordering swatches. 

⚠️ IMPORTANT SWATCH ORDER NOTICE (PLEASE READ)

Swatches are sample pieces only, measuring approximately 2" × 4", and are NOT fabric yardage.

To order a swatch:
Please select Swatch Sample Size and the desired color option, then add the swatch to your cart and proceed to checkout.

Orders placed for swatch quantities (2 or more) will be fulfilled exactly as ordered and shipped as swatches.
If fabric yardage is required, it must be ordered separately by the yard.

⚠️ Failure to read the product options or properly order yardage does not qualify for cancellation, refund, or exchange.
Swatch orders are final sale and not eligible for refund once processed.