Alexei Volkov
Creating a plastic canvas pattern is an easy craft that anyone can do. You can use a myriad of pattern books and online ideas for crafting with plastic canvas, suitable for all ages. However, if you want to create your own plastic canvas pattern, you can do so with an idea, some coloured pencils, and a few sheets of paper. First, choose a simple picture or sketch your own, then lay a transparent grid sheet over it. Create a stitching graph at the top of the pattern with symbols designating different colours. Then, colour in each square with the appropriate colour or mark, working from the top of the picture down. Once you've separated the graph from the picture, you can recreate the picture by stitching your plastic canvas in accordance with your graph.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choosing a pattern | Choose a picture for your plastic canvas graph pattern. The simpler the picture, the easier it'll be to create the design. You can sketch your own picture or logo, or create a drawing for a 3-D object. |
| Grid sheet | Lay a plastic transparent grid sheet over the picture. If you don't have a transparent grid, use a copy machine or printer to superimpose a sheet of graph paper on a transparent sheet of paper or printable plastic. |
| Stitching graph | Create a stitching graph at the top of the pattern. Use symbols to designate colours in your graph pattern. Print the name of the colour next to the colour mark to avoid confusion. |
| Adjustments | Be aware that your graph paper grids may be smaller than the plastic canvas squares, which will make the completed pattern look larger than the finished project. Adjust the size accordingly as you design your graph. |
| Stitching | Begin stitching on an uncut piece of plastic canvas to avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges, starting with the upper-left stitch. Cover the plastic canvas edges with masking tape to avoid snags. |
| Knots | To avoid knots, use a threaded needle and stitch over a 1" section of yarn held against the back of the canvas. Following the chart, make half cross-stitches for each symbol, except where otherwise indicated. |
| Cutting | Once all stitching has been completed, cut away the surplus canvas, always cutting between the bars to leave one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line. |
| Finishing | Some projects require additional finishing techniques, such as adding a felt backing or a hanger. For a wall hanging hanger, place a plastic ring at the centre of the piece and stitch in place. For an ornament hanger, cut a 9" length of yarn, thread a needle, and insert it through the first row of the plastic canvas on the back. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a simple picture or sketch your own
To create a plastic canvas pattern, you can choose a simple picture or sketch your own. The simpler the picture, the easier it will be to create the design. If you want to create a 3D object, you will need to create a drawing or choose a picture for each surface of the finished item.
You can find many pattern books and online ideas for crafting with plastic canvas, suitable for all ages and skill levels. However, if you want to create your own pattern, you can do so with just an idea, some coloured pencils, and a few sheets of paper.
When choosing or sketching a picture, consider the size of your canvas. Keep in mind that your graph paper grids may be smaller than the plastic canvas squares, which will make the completed pattern look larger than the finished project. Therefore, you may need to adjust the size of your design accordingly.
Additionally, be aware of copyrights on images you intend to turn into a plastic canvas graph. Branded images, such as Disney or sports logos, are copyrighted, and using them for your patterns or crafts could cause problems if you plan to sell them.
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Lay a transparent grid sheet over the picture
To create a plastic canvas pattern, you must first choose a picture for your graph pattern. The simpler the picture, the easier it will be to create the design. If you want to create a 3D object, you will need to create a drawing or choose a picture for each surface of the finished item.
Now, lay a transparent plastic grid sheet over the picture. If you don't have a transparent grid, use a copy machine or printer to superimpose a sheet of graph paper on a transparent or near-transparent sheet of paper or printable plastic. This way, you can create your own transparent grid.
It is important to remember that your graph paper grids may be smaller than the plastic canvas squares, which will make the completed pattern look larger than the finished project. Therefore, you should adjust the size accordingly as you design your graph.
Once you have your picture and transparent grid ready, you can start creating your stitching graph. Draw symbols such as an "X," forward or backward slash, and a circle to designate colours in your graph pattern. Print the name of the colour next to the colour mark to avoid confusion.
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Create a stitching graph and designate colours
To create a stitching graph, start by choosing a picture or sketch a simple picture or logo of your own. If you want to create a 3D object, create a drawing or choose a picture for each surface of the finished item. Then, lay a plastic transparent grid sheet over the picture. If you don't have a transparent grid, use a copy machine or printer to superimpose a sheet of graph paper on a transparent or near-transparent sheet of paper or printable plastic.
Create a stitching graph at the top of the pattern. Draw symbols such as an "X," forward or backward slash, or a circle to designate colours in your graph pattern. Print the name of the colour next to the colour mark to avoid confusion. You can also skip the symbols and colour in each square with the appropriate colour if you have coloured pencils or markers. Mark details such as eyes by placing a dot or dash over the colour in the squares.
Begin at the top of the picture and work downwards, placing the appropriate colour mark in each grid square or half-square to fill in your pattern. Remove the tape or paper clips and separate the graph from the picture. You can now recreate the picture by placing stitches of the appropriate colours in the plastic canvas, following your graph. Save the picture as a reference for when you stitch.
Remember that your graph paper grids may be smaller than the plastic canvas squares, so the completed pattern may look larger than the finished project. Adjust the size accordingly as you design your graph. Be aware of copyrights on pictures and images you intend to turn into a plastic canvas graph, especially if you plan to sell the patterns or completed crafts.
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Be aware of copyrights on images
When creating a plastic canvas pattern, it is essential to be mindful of copyrights on images. Using copyrighted images without permission can lead to legal issues, especially if you plan to sell your patterns or completed crafts.
Copyrighted images include branded content such as Disney, Sesame Street, movie and cartoon characters, sports logos, and any licensed or trademarked images. If you use these images without the right permissions, you could face legal consequences, as some plastic canvas crafters have learned through costly lawsuits.
To avoid copyright infringement, create original patterns or use images that are in the public domain or licensed with a Creative Commons license that allows for derivative works. You can also purchase the copyright to a pattern you like, giving you the right to use it as you wish. Remember, even "sharing" a copyrighted pattern with others without the owner's permission is considered copyright infringement and can have legal and financial repercussions.
If you're unsure about an image's copyright status, it's best to err on the side of caution and either seek clarification from the copyright holder or choose a different image. By respecting copyrights, you can avoid legal troubles and support the creative community by recognizing and valuing the intellectual property of others.
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Cut away surplus canvas and finish the edges
Once you have completed all the stitching on your plastic canvas pattern, it is time to cut away the surplus canvas and finish the edges. This is an important step to ensure your work looks neat and tidy. Firstly, always cut your canvas between the bars, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. This will ensure that you have enough canvas left to overcast the edges. Overcasting is a simple stitch that finishes your edges or joins two pieces of canvas together. To do this, stitch up through one hole, over the border bar, and up through the next hole, repeating this process until the edge is complete. Make sure your holes and edges are aligned before you begin stitching.
Some projects may require additional finishing techniques, such as adding a felt backing or a hanger. For most projects, the felt should be cut slightly smaller than the trimmed plastic canvas. You can also add a wall hanging hanger by placing a plastic ring at the centre of the piece, as close to the top as possible, to ensure the piece hangs evenly. Stitch the ring in place using sewing thread or floss. If your kit includes two rings, place one in the top right and one in the top left. Alternatively, you can cut a 9-inch length of yarn, thread it through the centre hole at the top of the project, and tie the ends together.
To avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges, you can cover the plastic canvas edges with masking tape before you begin stitching. To finish off a colour, run your needle under 4 or 5 stitches at the back and clip off. This will keep the back of your work clean and flat, and the tension of the stitches will hold the yarn in place without the need for knots.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose a picture to use for your plastic canvas graph pattern. The simpler the picture, the easier it'll be to create the design. You can sketch your own picture or logo, or use an existing image, being mindful of any copyrights.
You will need an image or sketch, a plastic transparent grid sheet, graph paper, coloured pencils or markers, and a copy machine or printer.
Lay the transparent grid sheet over your image. If you don't have a transparent grid, use a copy machine or printer to superimpose a sheet of graph paper on a transparent or near-transparent sheet of plastic. You can then begin to stitch your pattern, using the grid as a guide.
Draw symbols—such as an "X," forward or backward slash, or circle—on the top of your pattern to designate colours. Print the name of the colour next to each symbol to avoid confusion.
Once all stitching has been completed, cut away any surplus canvas, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line. You can then use an overcast and joining stitch to finish your edges or join two pieces of canvas.
