Choosing The Right Yarn For Plastic Canvas Patterns

Plastic canvas needlepointing is a fun and useful craft that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a variation of regular needlepoint, but it allows you to create a variety of decorative and 3D items that would not be possible with just cloth. When starting a plastic canvas project, it is essential to know how much yarn you will need to complete your desired pattern. The amount of yarn required can vary depending on the size and complexity of the pattern, as well as the type of stitches used. In this guide, we will explore the basic stitches used in plastic canvas needlepointing and provide tips on estimating the required amount of yarn to help you successfully complete your project.

How much yarn for a plastic canvas pattern?

Basic stitches

Plastic canvas is a great way to get into crafting and stitching, especially for children and beginners. It is easy to master and you can create anything from coasters to tissue box covers and even small purses. The canvas comes in a variety of sizes, colours, and types, but the standard clear variety with 7 holes to the inch is used in most patterns. The best type of yarn to use is regular worsted weight yarn, which is economical and can be bought almost anywhere.

Now, let's get into the basic stitches:

Overcast Stitch/Whipstitch:

This stitch is used to finish off the unstitched edge of a project and give it a polished look. Simply follow the edge of the canvas with your needle and yarn in a continental fashion. The overcast stitch is also used for joining two pieces of canvas after they have been cut. Make sure the holes and edges are aligned before stitching.

Gobelin Stitch:

This stitch is done by bringing the needle up from the back and down through the front, working over the tail of yarn to keep the stitches from coming undone. The pattern will indicate if you should use one strand of yarn or two. Usually, stitches worked over two or more threads will require two strands of yarn to cover the grid better.

Slanted Gobelin Stitch:

This is a variation of the regular continental stitch that can be done over two or more threads of the canvas at a time. The first stitch of the row is a continental stitch, and the second stitch comes up at the second dot and down at the next dot over the first one. Continue across to the left side, flip, and start again.

Running Stitch:

Pass the needle over the yarn stitches on the right side and under the back side of the canvas. Continue working these stitches of equal length in an even line, skipping every other space.

Backstitch:

This is made in any direction with multiple continuous stitches crossing one bar at a time.

Straight Stitch:

Bring the needle up through the canvas and down to the back. The stitch can be of any length and worked in any direction.

French Knot:

Bring the threaded needle through the canvas, wrap the floss around the needle, tighten the twists, and return the needle through the canvas at the same place.

These are just some of the basic stitches used in plastic canvas stitching. With these stitches and some practice, you'll be well on your way to creating your own beautiful plastic canvas crafts!

Joining panels

To use the overcast stitch, start by anchoring the end of your yarn to one of the pieces, next to the area where you plan to join them. Hold the two pieces together and carefully align the holes. Pass your needle through both holes two or three times, and continue this process along the entire join. If you're working on a curved seam where the holes don't line up perfectly, you may need to add some extra stitches. Make sure to pass the needle through all the holes, both stitched and unstitched, for a secure join. Finally, to finish off, weave the end of the yarn underneath the backs of the stitches in multiple directions to secure it neatly.

Another stitch that can be used for joining panels is the slanted gobelin stitch. This stitch is a variation of the continental stitch and can be worked over two or more threads of the canvas at a time. The first stitch is the same as the continental stitch, and the second stitch comes up at the second black dot and goes down at the second red dot, crossing over the first stitch. Repeat this process across the row, then flip and start again.

When joining panels, it's important to consider the type of yarn and needle you're using. For plastic canvas projects, worsted weight yarn and yarn needles designed specifically for this type of needlepoint are recommended. Additionally, it's a good idea to have a pair of scissors handy for trimming any excess yarn. Remember, stitching on plastic canvas is meant to be enjoyable, so take your time, practice different stitches, and experiment with various shapes and patterns to bring your creative ideas to life!

Yarn type and amount

When it comes to yarn type and amount for plastic canvas patterns, a few factors come into play. Firstly, the type of yarn you choose will depend on the specific pattern you are following. Some patterns may call for a particular weight or type of yarn to achieve the desired effect. Worsted weight yarn is commonly used for plastic canvas projects.

The amount of yarn required will depend on the size and complexity of your project. Smaller projects, such as coasters or ornaments, will naturally require less yarn than larger projects like wall decor or 3D objects. It's always a good idea to have a little extra yarn on hand, especially if you're working with multiple colours or intricate patterns that may require more yarn than expected.

For joining panels or pieces of your plastic canvas project, you will need to use a technique that ensures the panels are securely held together. This is essential to ensure that the plastic canvas is not visible from the front when your project is finished. The whipstitch is commonly used for joining two pieces of a pattern, such as the sides of a tissue box. Extra stitches may be needed at the corners to neatly cover the edges without showing any gaps.

When starting a new strand of yarn, it's important to leave a small tail of yarn at the beginning of a row, as this will help secure the yarn and prevent it from coming undone. The same principle applies when ending a strand—turn to the backside of your canvas and run the needle under several stitches before cutting the yarn to ensure it stays in place. Following these guidelines will help you determine the appropriate yarn type and amount for your plastic canvas creations.

Finishing edges

Finishing the edges of your plastic canvas pattern is an important step to ensure your work looks neat and presentable. Here are some detailed instructions on how to finish the edges:

Overcasting the Edges

Overcasting is a common technique used to finish the edges of plastic canvas projects. It involves stitching over the raw edges of the canvas to protect them and create a polished look. To do this, use an overcast or whipstitch, which will cover the edges and secure the yarn. You can also combine overcasting with other techniques, such as backing your work with felt, to enhance the overall finish.

Backstitching the Edges

Another method to finish the edges is by backstitching. This is especially useful if both sides of your work will be visible, as it provides a neat finish. Start by backing the canvas with the same cross-stitch pattern, ensuring symmetry. Then, backstitch around the edges, creating a clean and consistent border. This technique is ideal for projects like keyrings, earrings, or tags, where both sides need to look presentable.

Trimming and Finishing

Once you have completed your stitching, it's important to trim the excess canvas. Cut the canvas between the bars, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. This ensures enough canvas remains for overcasting the edges. After trimming, you can also finish the edges by running the yarn through previous stitches on the backside, pulling it taut, and then trimming it closely. This technique ensures there are no loose ends.

Joining Multiple Pieces

If your project involves joining multiple pieces of plastic canvas, you can use the overcast stitch to seamlessly connect them. Lay the pieces you want to join on top of each other, aligning the threads and holes. Anchor the thread at the back and pass the needle through each set of holes, creating a secure join. This technique is essential for constructing 3D designs, such as boxes or pouches, and can also be used to finish the raw edges of your project.

Additional Tips

To enhance the overall finish of your plastic canvas project, consider these additional tips:

• Cover the edges of the canvas with masking tape before stitching to avoid snags and create a smoother surface.
• When finishing a row, turn to the backside of the canvas and run the needle under several stitches before cutting the yarn to secure it in place.
• If you're creating a wall hanging, include a plastic ring or a length of yarn at the top center for even hanging.

Stitching corners

To achieve a neat finish, you can use the whipstitch or overcast stitch. The whipstitch is perfect for joining two pieces together, and by adding extra stitches at the corners, you can ensure a seamless join. The overcast stitch is ideal for finishing off raw edges and creating a clean look. When using this stitch, pass the needle through each hole two times and three times at the corners to ensure full coverage.

It's worth noting that stitching corners can get a bit tight, but with some careful manoeuvring, you can navigate the needle through the stitches. Additionally, consider using pliers to grip the needle and pull it through if needed.

When you've finished stitching, secure your yarn by running the needle under several stitches on the back of your canvas, pull it taut, and then trim the yarn close to the canvas. This will ensure that there are no loose ends, giving your project a polished appearance.

Frequently asked questions