Home
 :   :  Login   

User Guide for Duvetyne and Commando Cloth
Duvetyne and Commando Cloth are great flame-retardant options for costuming and safety gear. If using them around flame, however, using them correctly is important.
What are Duvetyne and Commando Cloth?
Duvetyne and Commando Cloth are in a family of twill-weave fabrics. In our industry, we typically recognize them as being made of wool or cotton, with no nap on one side and a short nap on the other. Duvetyne and Commando Cloth are typically sold in the fire-dancing, film, stage, and club industries with a pre-applied flame-retardant chemical to comply with NFPA 701. "Commando Cloth" is a regional term, sometimes referring to a heavier version of Duvetyne.
Flame-retardant Properties
Flame-retardant fabrics will not support a flame in the absence of additional fuel or flame. NFPA 701 compliance can be tested by holding a representative sample vertically, while applying a flame at the bottom of the fabric for 10 seconds. If, after 10 seconds, the Duvetyne or Commando Cloth does not support a flame, it is still compliant.

Flame-retardant fabrics are not necessarily heat-resistant or heat-proof. While the fabric may not support a flame, the fabric can potentially be damaged by high-heat sources. Nearby flames and hot metal can damage fabrics, even if the fabric does not set on fire.
Use as an Extinguishing Device
Duvetyne and Commando Cloth may be suitable when a damp or wet towel is not available. When used as extinguishing devices, it is best to extinguish flames as desired, and then remove the Duvetyne and Commando cloth from sources of intense heat in order to protect the fabric from heat damage.

In specific, extinguish flames as quickly as possible, trying to make sure that fuel does not soak into the cloth. Immediately after spinning, the wick material will be several hundred degrees Fahrenheit, while the metal may be even hotter. Remove the poi, staff, or other device from the Duvetyne or Commando Cloth in order to protect the fabric. Commando Cloth, thicker, will be somewhat more resistant to physical and heat damage in general.

Shop By Category

Learning Center

My Shopping Cart
You have 0 item(s) in your Shopping Cart

Shop With Confidence

Located in Arizona?
Order in person by visiting our Tucson, Arizona showroom

Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Get information on monthly specials!
We Value Your Privacy.

Celebrating 9 Years Online