“Is Cotton Paper Worth the Hype? Here's What You Didn't Know”
When you run your fingers over a sheet of cotton paper, something feels different. It’s soft yet strong, textured yet elegant. But what exactly is cotton paper, and why does it cost more than regular paper? Let’s dive into the beauty, value, and legality (yes, really!) of this luxurious paper that’s loved by creatives, couples, and professionals alike.
What is Cotton Paper?
Cotton paper, also known as rag paper, is made using 100% cotton linters or recycled cotton fabric instead of wood pulp. This gives it an incredibly soft feel, high durability, and a beautiful deckle edge finish when handmade. Cotton paper doesn’t yellow or become brittle over time, which is why it’s often used for archival documents, fine art prints, and luxury wedding stationery.
If you’ve ever touched one of our handmade sheets at Labcraft Boutique, you’ve felt the difference—natural texture, organic charm, and timeless quality.
Why is Cotton Paper So Expensive?
Cotton paper is considered a premium, artisanal material, and here’s why:
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Raw Material Costs: Cotton is more expensive than wood pulp and harder to source in sustainable, small-batch quantities.
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Handmade Process: Many cotton papers (like ours) are crafted sheet by sheet by hand—no industrial rollers, just skilled craftsmanship.
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Durability & Quality: Cotton fibers are long, strong, and absorb ink beautifully, making it ideal for letterpress, watercolor, and calligraphy.
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Limited Production: Unlike mass-produced wood pulp paper, cotton paper is made in small batches, adding to its exclusivity.
Think of it like comparing fast fashion to slow fashion—cotton paper is the slow-made heirloom version of stationery.
Is Cotton Paper Legal?
Yes, cotton paper is absolutely legal to use, buy, and sell. In fact, many legal and government documents around the world are printed on high-quality cotton paper because of its durability and archival nature.
The confusion may come from the fact that banknotes and currency in many countries are made from a blend of cotton and linen, not wood pulp. But rest assured—when you’re using cotton paper for art, stationery, or printing, you’re completely within the law.
What Paper is Made Out of Cotton?
Here are some of the most common types of cotton-based paper:
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Wedding Invitations: Handmade cotton paper with a deckle edge is a favorite for luxury wedding suites.
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Calligraphy Paper: Artists love cotton paper for its smooth-yet-textured surface that holds ink without bleeding.
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Watercolour & Sketch Paper: Cotton paper absorbs paint and pigment evenly, making it the gold standard for watercolor artists.
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Archival & Legal Documents: Due to its longevity, cotton paper is used for official documents that must last decades.
At Labcraft Boutique, all our handmade paper is made from 100% cotton—available in 150 GSM, 250 GSM, and 300 GSM weights—perfect for everything from stationery and tags to full invitation suites.
Final Thoughts
Cotton paper isn’t just paper. It’s a craft material, a canvas for creativity, and a timeless choice for those who want their work to last. Whether you're a bride looking for meaningful wedding invitations, a calligrapher seeking the perfect ink-friendly surface, or simply someone who appreciates slow, beautiful things—you’ll fall in love with handmade cotton paper.
Shop our handmade cotton paper collection and discover the difference for yourself.