what is ballistic nylon
If you have ever wondered what is ballistic nylon, the short answer is that it is one of the toughest woven fabrics a sewist can buy. It was first developed during World War II for flak jackets worn by aircrews. Today, this heavy duty nylon fabric shows up in luggage, backpacks, tool rolls, motorcycle gear and anything else that needs to shrug off scrapes and tears.
How Ballistic Nylon Is Made
Ballistic nylon is woven from thick, high-tenacity nylon filament yarns in a basketweave pattern. That tight, doubled-up weave gives the fabric its distinctive texture and outstanding abrasion resistance. Many versions are backed with a polyurethane coating for added water resistance and body.
Understanding Denier
Denier measures yarn thickness. You will commonly see 1050 denier nylon for bags and cases, while 1680 denier ballistic nylon is heavier and stiffer for maximum durability.
What to Look For
- Weight and denier that match your project
- Coating if you need water resistance
- Color and finish for the look you want
Use a heavy needle and bonded nylon thread for best results. Ready to start your next rugged project? Browse our ballistic nylon fabrics below.