Duvetyne 3m Wide - Price Per Linear Metre

Duvetyne, or duvetyn, (also known as Molton and Rokel) and also referred to as Commando Cloth is a twill fabric with a velvet-like nap on one side. It may be woven from cotton, wool, or—in rare cases, mainly in the early 20th century—silk. Duvetyne has a matte finish and its high opacity makes it ideal for blocking light. Although it is most commonly used in the motion picture industry, early sources list duvetyne as a common fabric for dresses, suits, and coats.

By the 1930s, however, it was widely noted for its use in constructing theatrical cycloramas and theater curtains. In modern times, fire-retardant black duvetyne is commonly used for curtains, for scenery, and to control light spill. Many commercial lighting flags are made from duvetyne. When used in film applications, especially in the eastern United States, duvetyne is also known as "commando cloth".

In the first season of the original Star Trek television series, the exterior shots of "space" were created by gluing glitter onto black duvetyne. 

In general, Duvetyne is considered the lighter weight and more expendable version, generally in the 12 ounce (per yard) weight class… There is some 8 ounce “duvetyne” offered in the marketplace as an economy item, but we feel the 8 ounce version is too thin to do the job of “blackout/masking” so we stick with the 12 ounce and 16 ounce standards.


Commando Cloth is the heavier of the two, and is also considered an “expendable”, but heavier and more durable at 16 ounces (per yard)… Note that on the West Coast USA, both are referred to as Duvetyne.


So, why the two types? The short answer is that the 16 ounce Commando Cloth is more light blocking, and the 12 ounce Duvetyne is slightly less so. If there is a light source behind the fabric, Commando would be the better choice. If no light source, for example in a stage skirting application, Duvetyne will do the job. 

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John Barry reserves the right under Australian Consumer Law to refuse a request for an exchange or refund on all final sale items, if you have misused/mishandled the product, or if you have simply changed your mind. Please visit our Refunds & Returns policy page for further information.