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I've been on a hat-making bender recently and I thought I'd share something I discovered by accident. I was stocking up on tailoring stuff from Atlanta Thread and Supply (http://www.atlantathread.com) and bought something called undercollar canvas. Wasn't sure what it was but I like to try new stuff.

This stuff is very like the buckram I got at Hancock Fabrics but the undercollar canvas is 60" wide. Hancock buckram is 20" for $3/yd. Vogue Fabrics 60" buckram is $9/yd. The 60" canvas from ATS is $5/yd. The only differences I can see are the canvas is brown, and it's a just a teeny hair less stiff. When I need it really solid I give it a coat of Alene's stiffener, or I zigzag two layers of the canvas together like Lynn McMasters shows in one of the hat patterns I use. I'd do those things with buckram too though when stiffness is needed.

I've yet to use it for tailoring, I go a little softer on my collars, but I use it for millinery, and sometimes in place of crin for ribbon work. Just thought I'd share!

Some pictures for comparison. The buckram is the white stuff.



Here's a close-up of the weave:



The buckram is a just a little bit stiffer. Here's how they drape over a fabric bolt:

OH! How very cool! My question is, does it give up the ghost when it gets wet, like buckram does?
~Kelly

Sadly, yes. I've been using stinky spray adhesives (and a NIOSH mask) for the mull layer, and I just go as easy as I can on the glue for taping the wires. Really tho, once the wires are on, it holds up pretty well.