Chloe Zhang
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint that is used to create decorative 3D designs. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and become familiar with the required materials. The most common sizes of plastic canvas are 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh, and the canvas can be clear plastic or coloured. Designs are stitched from a gridded chart, with each symbol representing a specific colour. All stitches begin on the back of the work, with the needle coming up from the back of the canvas, and stitches are executed over the tail to avoid loose threads. There are various stitches that can be used, including the backstitch, continental stitch, straight stitch, running stitch, French knot, and overcast and joining stitch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stitch type | Backstitch, Continental stitch, Scotch stitch, Straight stitch, Running stitch, French knot, Overcast and joining stitch, Whip stitch |
| Stitch direction | Can go in any direction |
| Stitch length | Can be of any length |
| Starting point | All stitches begin on the back of the canvas |
| Stitch process | Insert the threaded needle from the back of the canvas, hold a 1" section of yarn against the back, and stitch over |
| Stitch count | 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh are the most common |
| Canvas type | Clear plastic or coloured |
| Canvas preparation | Mark the canvas with a marker, counting and laying out each motif, leaving at least two squares between motifs |
| Additional techniques | Felt backing, adding a hanger, using stretcher bars or a scroll frame to hold large projects |
| Needlepoint variations | Needlepoint pendants, needlepoint on pre-painted plastic canvas |
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What You'll Learn
Basic stitches: backstitches, straight stitches, and French knots
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and become familiar with the required materials.
Backstitches
Backstitches are created by inserting your needle up through the canvas at the even-numbered holes and down through the canvas at the odd-numbered holes. This stitch can be any length you desire and can go in any direction. On patterns, this stitch appears as "backstitch" or "backst". To execute a backstitch, follow these steps:
- Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at hole 2.
- Push the needle down through the top of the canvas at hole 1.
- Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at hole 4.
- Push the needle down through the top of the canvas at hole 3.
Straight Stitches
Straight stitches, also known as long stitches, are a series of parallel stitches that can be different lengths but must cover at least two bars (two grid lines). On patterns, this stitch appears as "long stitch". To execute a straight stitch, follow these steps:
- Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 1.
- Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 3, hole 1.
- Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 2.
- Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 3, hole 1.
French Knots
French knots are created by holding about an inch to 2 inches of yarn onto the backside of the canvas. Continue holding your back thread and needle through the slot diagonally below and to the left of where you started. Repeat this pattern, tacking down the string behind as you go. When the stitches are close together, the canvas fills up and the plastic is no longer visible.
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Starting a row of stitches: securing the thread
To secure your thread at the start of a new row of stitches, you should begin by threading your needle with around three feet of yarn or floss. Then, insert the needle through the backside of the canvas, leaving a two-inch tail of yarn or floss. Hold the tail flat against the back of the canvas, so it runs along your intended stitch line. Now, execute your stitches over the tail until it is completely covered. This will ensure that your thread is secure and prevent any loose threads from hanging from your work.
This technique is particularly useful for creating a clean finish on the back of your canvas. It is also an effective way to start a new row of stitches when creating a plastic canvas, as it eliminates the need for bulky knots. It is important to note that all stitches in plastic canvas projects should begin on the back of your work.
Another method to secure your thread is to use a double strand of floss, which provides better coverage at the edges than a single strand. Pass your threaded needle up through the top layer of canvas only and pull it through until you have about one inch of floss remaining. Lay this inch of floss between the two layers of canvas and take your next stitch by passing the needle up through both layers of canvas together. This is called a whip stitch and is useful for stitching two pieces of canvas together.
Additionally, the overcast and joining stitch can be used for finishing edges or joining two pieces of canvas. This stitch comes up through one hole, over the border bar, and up through the next hole, repeating this pattern. For joining two pieces of canvas, ensure that the holes and edges are aligned before stitching.
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Finishing a row of stitches: avoiding knots or loose ends
When you finish a row of stitches, you want to avoid unsightly knots or loose ends. To create a clean finish on the back of the canvas, flip the canvas so that its back is facing up.
If you are using a different colour or another thread of the same colour, run your thread back through some rows of stitches with your needle heading towards where you want to start. If your thread comes out on the first stitch, simply try again. It should be woven under at least seven stitches. Once you have successfully stitched the first stitch, you shouldn't have any issues with it coming loose. If you must, you can tie a tiny knot at the end of your thread before casting on, but be sure to cut it off once you're back to stitching.
When you finish stitching a colour or the tail of your thread, complete one last stitch. Make sure your needle is pushed through to the back of your canvas. Thread your needle through at least three stitches on the back of your fabric to secure it in place. If you still have more needlework to do before your project is finished, thread your needle with a new piece of fibre and continue the process.
If your needlepoint canvas has straight edges, the binding stitch is one of the best ways to achieve a smooth, professional finish, and it is fairly easy to master. Start by anchoring the thread to the back of the canvas in a stitched area. Bring the needle to the front of the canvas and do a downwards diagonal stitch. Go into the hole next to where you started, to the left, and repeat the same step. After you have completed the first two parallel stitches, go back two holes and do a stitch in the opposite direction.
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Scotch stitch: angled stitches to cover large areas
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs. Before you attempt complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and get familiar with the required materials.
The Scotch stitch, also known as the Cushion, Chequer, or Scottish stitch, is a series of angled stitches that form a square. It is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas. This stitch is a great stitch for beginners as it is super easy to work with and offers a lot of dimensions as a background stitch.
To give the best effect, choose a needlepoint yarn that comfortably fills the holes without leaving any bare canvas showing. For example, tapestry wool would work best on a 10 or 12 count canvas, whereas a finer yarn would be more suitable for an 18 count base.
To create the stitch, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 2, hole 1. Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 2. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 3, hole 1. Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 3. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 4, hole 1. Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 4. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 4, hole 2. Insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 2, hole 4. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 4, hole 3.
You can also try the Diagonal Scotch, Offset Scotch, or Divided Scotch stitch variations if you’re looking to add extra depth and movement to a background.
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Overcast and joining stitch: finishing edges or joining cut canvas
Overcasting is used to cover the raw edges on a single piece of plastic canvas. It is done as the final finishing step of a project. When joining two pieces of canvas together, you will use the whipstitch technique.
To overcast, bring your threaded needle up through the canvas from back to front in one of the top holes along the project edge. Leave a 1-inch tail. Insert the needle from back to front in the hole adjacent to the beginning hole. The yarn will naturally wrap around the plastic canvas. Continue stitching from back to front, keeping the stitches even and diagonal. Don't pull the stitches too tight, or you will see the canvas between them. When you reach a corner, work 2-3 stitches for full coverage.
To join two pieces of plastic canvas, overlap the two pieces so the threads and holes line up. Sew through both layers of canvas simultaneously to join them. You will be able to detect the join, so it is best to do this in a place that will not be too noticeable. Pass the needle through each hole two times and three times on the corners. Stitch both sets of holes. On curved seams where the holes don't line up, you may need to add some extra stitches. Take care to pass the needle through all the holes, both stitched and unstitched. You will likely need to pass the needle and thread through each set of holes three times for the best coverage.
To finish, weave the end of the yarn underneath the backs of stitches in a few directions to secure it.
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Frequently asked questions
To start a row of stitches on plastic canvas, thread your needle with around three feet of yarn or floss. Insert the needle through the backside of the canvas until you are left with a two-inch tail of yarn or floss. Hold the tail against the back of your canvas so that it runs along your stitch line. Execute your stitches over the tail until it is completely covered.
There are a few basic stitches you can use for plastic canvas needlepointing. The backstitch is created by inserting your needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through the canvas at odd-numbered holes. The continental stitch is used to create horizontal rows of angled stitches. The scotch stitch is a series of angled stitches that form a square and is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas.
To finish the edges of your plastic canvas, you can use the overcast stitch or the lark's head knot. The overcast stitch creates a clean edge, while the lark's head knot creates a fringe edge. When you are done stitching, cut away the surplus canvas, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line.
