Traditional linen support, working quietly beneath the beautiful cloth.
Some of the most useful materials in a vestment are the ones no one will see. Dowlas is one of those cloths: a firm, plain woven linen that supports the face fabric while keeping flexibility in the finished piece. It has a practical place in traditional vestment construction, especially when the layers need body without too much rigidity.
Projects and possibilities
Consider Dowlas for pastor and priest stole interfacing, altar hangings and Roman-style chasubles where a softer structure is wanted. Its plain, utilitarian character may also suit historical sewing, including aprons, pockets and garment support layers. Try it with the other fabrics your pattern calls for before deciding.
Fabric details
- Fiber content: 100% linen
- Width: 54 inches (approximately 137 cm)
- Construction: Plain woven linen
- Hand: Firm and flexible
- Use: Sewn-in interfacing and support
Planning your project
Give the linen its preparation before you give it its final dimensions. Pre-wash or otherwise preshrink it, allowing extra yardage for possible shrinkage. When you begin construction, keep the layers flat and smooth as you pin and baste. Those small steps help the whole piece come together.
Ordering fabric and swatches
Select By the Yard for fabric yardage or Swatch for a sample, then choose your color where offered. Swatches are approximately 4 × 6 inches and are intended for checking color, texture and feel; they may not show a full pattern repeat.
Ordering multiple swatches: If you order two or more swatches, we will fulfill your order as swatches in the colors and quantities selected. Ordering several swatches does not order fabric yardage. Please order yardage separately using the By the Yard option.
Please review your selected option and quantity before checkout. Swatch orders are final sale once processed.
For our complete terms, see our return and refund policy.
Fulfillment time: Swatches are usually in stock and are generally fulfilled within 1–5 business days. In-stock solid fabrics and linings are generally fulfilled within 1–5 business days. If fabric stock needs to be ordered, please allow 7–14 business days for fulfillment.
Shipping transit time: Carrier transit begins after your package ships and is additional to fulfillment time. Transit time varies with the shipping service selected at checkout.
For your sewing project, choose By The Yard. A quantity of 1 is 1 yard.
Before you cut and sew
Try your preparation method on a sample first. Once the Dowlas is inside a vestment, choose the cleaning method for the complete piece, including the decorative cloth, lining and trims.
Questions about this fabric
Is Dowlas a decorative face fabric?
Its main role in our vestment work is underneath the face fabric, giving support. The plain texture can also suit historical or practical projects where that utilitarian appearance is part of the design.
How does Dowlas compare with cotton canvas?
Dowlas is linen, with firm but flexible support. Cotton canvas comes in different weights for a softer or firmer result. Try each with your face fabric and lining; it is the feel of the complete piece that matters.
Bring your project together
Who else do you know that might like our company?
Send them a FREE $10 just for checking us out! Give them the code ”REFERRAL10” for $10 off their first order!
If you haven't used the code yet, it will work on your first order as well! Just make sure to pass it along to your favorite priest, pastor, or seamstress!
Traditional linen support, working quietly beneath the beautiful cloth.
Some of the most useful materials in a vestment are the ones no one will see. Dowlas is one of those cloths: a firm, plain woven linen that supports the face fabric while keeping flexibility in the finished piece. It has a practical place in traditional vestment construction, especially when the layers need body without too much rigidity.
Projects and possibilities
Consider Dowlas for pastor and priest stole interfacing, altar hangings and Roman-style chasubles where a softer structure is wanted. Its plain, utilitarian character may also suit historical sewing, including aprons, pockets and garment support layers. Try it with the other fabrics your pattern calls for before deciding.
Fabric details
- Fiber content: 100% linen
- Width: 54 inches (approximately 137 cm)
- Construction: Plain woven linen
- Hand: Firm and flexible
- Use: Sewn-in interfacing and support
Planning your project
Give the linen its preparation before you give it its final dimensions. Pre-wash or otherwise preshrink it, allowing extra yardage for possible shrinkage. When you begin construction, keep the layers flat and smooth as you pin and baste. Those small steps help the whole piece come together.
Ordering fabric and swatches
Select By the Yard for fabric yardage or Swatch for a sample, then choose your color where offered. Swatches are approximately 4 × 6 inches and are intended for checking color, texture and feel; they may not show a full pattern repeat.
Ordering multiple swatches: If you order two or more swatches, we will fulfill your order as swatches in the colors and quantities selected. Ordering several swatches does not order fabric yardage. Please order yardage separately using the By the Yard option.
Please review your selected option and quantity before checkout. Swatch orders are final sale once processed.
For our complete terms, see our return and refund policy.
Fulfillment time: Swatches are usually in stock and are generally fulfilled within 1–5 business days. In-stock solid fabrics and linings are generally fulfilled within 1–5 business days. If fabric stock needs to be ordered, please allow 7–14 business days for fulfillment.
Shipping transit time: Carrier transit begins after your package ships and is additional to fulfillment time. Transit time varies with the shipping service selected at checkout.
For your sewing project, choose By The Yard. A quantity of 1 is 1 yard.
Before you cut and sew
Try your preparation method on a sample first. Once the Dowlas is inside a vestment, choose the cleaning method for the complete piece, including the decorative cloth, lining and trims.
Questions about this fabric
Is Dowlas a decorative face fabric?
Its main role in our vestment work is underneath the face fabric, giving support. The plain texture can also suit historical or practical projects where that utilitarian appearance is part of the design.
How does Dowlas compare with cotton canvas?
Dowlas is linen, with firm but flexible support. Cotton canvas comes in different weights for a softer or firmer result. Try each with your face fabric and lining; it is the feel of the complete piece that matters.
Bring your project together
Who else do you know that might like our company?
Send them a FREE $10 just for checking us out! Give them the code ”REFERRAL10” for $10 off their first order!
If you haven't used the code yet, it will work on your first order as well! Just make sure to pass it along to your favorite priest, pastor, or seamstress!
