Definition of Barkcloth

Click here for the UK English version

Barkcloth is, as the name implies, a fabric made from the bark of trees (mainly those from the Moraceae family, including Broussonetia Papyrifera, Ficus and Artocarpus altilis). Historically it has been widely used in Indonesia, Asia, Africa and some South Pacific nations. It is made by beating sodden strips of the fibrous inner bark into sheets, it is then dyed or otherwise coloured and finished into a variety of clothes and furnishings. Tapa cloth is one of the best known examples of true Barkcloth. Barkcloth is also a term that refers to a fabric, often cotton or rayon, with a crepe-like texture that is made to resemble true Barkcloth. This fabric is used extensively for draperies, slipcovers, and other home furnishings – it was particularly popular in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Derivation of Barkcloth: Cloth made from bark!

Definition of Barkcloth

Click here for the US English version

Barkcloth is, as the name implies, a fabric made from the bark of trees (mainly those from the Moraceae family, including Broussonetia Papyrifera, Ficus and Artocarpus altilis). Historically it has been widely used in Indonesia, Asia, Africa and some South Pacific nations. It is made by beating sodden strips of the fibrous inner bark into sheets, it is then dyed or otherwise coloured and finished into a variety of clothes and furnishings. Tapa cloth is one of the best known examples of true Barkcloth. Barkcloth is also a term that refers to a fabric, often cotton or rayon, with a crepe-like texture that is made to resemble true Barkcloth. This fabric is used extensively for draperies, slipcovers, and other home furnishings – it was particularly popular in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Derivation of Barkcloth: Cloth made from bark!