Oilcloth was, traditionally, close-woven cotton duck or linen cloth with a coating of boiled linseed oil to make it waterproof. Historically, pre- Macintosh, oilcloth was one of very few flexible, waterproof materials that was widely available. Leather was expensive, very expensive in large pieces, and required regular maintenance if often wetted.
Although not much research has been done on the subject of oilcloth, we here at Oilcloth International wanted to clue you in on some interesting facts we've put together. Hopefully someday one of you all will write your dissertation all about oilcloth!
Oilcloth definition, a cotton fabric made waterproof by being treated with oil and pigment, for use as tablecloths, shelf coverings, and the like. See more.
I am spending the day researching the history of oilcloth for my upcoming book, Sewing with Oilcloth, (August, 2011) and I came across this drawing and article written by John Heinl. I thought you would enjoy seeing where oilcloth was manufactured in the early 20th century!
A short history of oilcloth, a cotton fabric with a thin coating of vinyl applied to the front, making it waterproof and durable. Our ancestors applied several layers of thick linseed oil to their heavier cotton fabrics to make them water resistant.
