---
type: "fabric"
name: "Mudcloth"
slug: "mudcloth"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "jacquard"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
weight_gsm: "200–400 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/mudcloth"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:19:21.692141+00:00"
---

# Mudcloth

Mudcloth is a traditional African textile known for its unique handwoven patterns and rich cultural significance, primarily made from cotton.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Jacquard
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton
- **Weight**: 200–400 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 114 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Mudcloth

Mudcloth, or 'Bògòlanfini', is a handwoven fabric originating from Mali, characterized by its distinctive mud-dyed patterns. The fabric is typically constructed using a jacquard weave, which allows for intricate designs to be woven directly into the fabric rather than printed on the surface. Made primarily from cotton, Mudcloth is celebrated for its durability and breathability, making it suitable for various applications including apparel, home decor, and artisan crafts.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 40
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 30

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 0%
- **Weft Stretch**: 0%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 50 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: textured
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Breathable
- Moisture Wicking
- Durable

## Common Finishes

- Dyed
- Washed
- Softened

## Common Applications

- Apparel
- Home Decor
- Upholstery
- Artisan Crafts

## Common Uses in Detail

### Apparel & Outerwear

Its bold, geometric patterns and sturdy [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) weave make mudcloth a striking choice for jackets, vests, and statement coats. The thick, structured fabric provides warmth and durability while allowing wearers to showcase its deep cultural artistry in everyday fashion.

### Home Décor & Pillows

Earthy tones and handcrafted motifs lend an authentic, global aesthetic to throw pillows, wall hangings, and table runners. The heavyweight [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) construction holds its shape well, making it ideal for decorative accents that bring texture and cultural storytelling into living spaces.

### Upholstery & Furniture

The dense, tightly woven structure gives mudcloth excellent durability for upholstering accent chairs, ottomans, and headboards. Its natural [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) fibers wear gracefully over time, and the distinctive patterning transforms functional furniture pieces into artistic focal points within interior spaces.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry.

- Machine Wash Warm
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low

## Additional Information

Mudcloth is not only a fabric but a canvas for storytelling, with each pattern and color holding cultural significance. It is often used in contemporary fashion and interior design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

- **Regional Names**: Bògòlanfini
- **Sourcing Regions**: Mali, West Africa
- **Testing Standards**: Colorfastness to wash, Tear strength, Pilling

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton.md)

## Similar Fabrics

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- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md) — Specialty
- [Adire](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/adire.md) — Specialty

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/mudcloth) — HTML version of this page.*
