Church Supplies
Stunning altar paraments and altar cloths that your congregation will be proud of.
Choose from our existing line of handmade ecclesiastical hangings (and vestments) or speak to us about your own custom design.
Altar Cloths & Altar Linens for Your Church
Altar cloths, also known as altar linens, are used to cover an alter that's used as part of a religious ceremony. Altar cloths are used in a wide array of different religious denominations in both a church setting and occasionally outside of the church -- in short, wherever an altar is present, you’re apt to find altar cloths.
The Altar Linens can also serve a couple different functions. In some cases, they may be used for a decorative purpose. Some altars can be seen as plain in their construction, so church altar cloths can serve to make the appearance more appealing.
In other instances, church altar cloths are used on extremely ornate altars. Many church altars are one-of-a-kind pieces, featuring hand carving, painting and other unique features that must be protected. Altars are commonly home to cups of wine, vessels containing holy water and other liquids that may spill, splash or drip on the wood and cause damage to the finish. In addition, candles are virtually always present on an altar and wax drippings are commonplace. Wax drippings can damage the wood finish and attempts to remove the wax drippings also hold potential for irreparable damage to an ornate, priceless altar. An altar cloth can protect the altar from these potential sources of damage.
Altar cloths are actually mandatory in some religious traditions. For instance, Pope Boniface III issued a decree that made altar cloths mandatory in the Roman Catholic Church. Records indicate that they were commonplace in the Catholic Church as early as the 4th Century.
Sizes and Styles for Your Altar
Kanel Brother's feature a vast array of different altar cloths, in a number of different sizes and styles. You’ll find something to suit your precise requirements, regardless of your religious tradition.
From simple linens to intricate, embroidered altar cloths in the finest fabrics, you’ll find precisely what you’re seeking for your altar.
We take pride in our unmatched craftsmanship, competitive pricing and our unparalleled selection.