Sofia Martinez
Plastic canvas is a fun, easy, and inexpensive craft that can be used to create decorative 3D designs. It is a variation of traditional needlepoint and is similar to tapestry work. The canvas comes in rectangular sheets that can be cut down as needed, and it also comes in various shapes like hearts, circles, and even purses. The most common sizes are 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh, and the canvas can be clear plastic or coloured. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and become familiar with the required materials. This includes learning how to thread a needle, which can be tricky at first but becomes easier with practice. Once you have the basics down, you can create a variety of projects, from ornament hangers to greeting cards and even 3D pieces like phone pouches and keyrings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stitching technique | Running stitch, backstitch, scotch stitch, French knot, overcast stitch, joining stitch |
| Stitching direction | Straight stitch, diagonal stitch |
| Stitching length | Any length |
| Stitching count | 7-mesh, 10-mesh, 14-mesh, 14-count |
| Stitching start point | Back of the canvas |
| Stitching path | Up and through a hole, down through the next hole |
| Stitching finish | Weave the yarn through previous stitches, trim closely |
| Raw edge finish | Overcast stitch, joining stitch |
| Joining two pieces | Line up matching holes, pass the needle through both holes |
| Edge finish | Ornament hangers, greeting cards |
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What You'll Learn
Basic stitches
Plastic canvas stitching is a great foundation for beginners to learn embroidery and more advanced stitches. It is also a good way to finish projects quickly, as the stitches are larger and use thicker yarn.
There are three main types of stitches used in plastic canvas work, with most patterns using variations of these. The first is a diagonal stitch, often called a tent stitch or continental stitch. This is a diagonal stitch over one intersection of the canvas. The continental stitch is used to create horizontal rows of angled stitches. The half cross-stitch is a good technique to use on plastic canvas, as it eliminates thread build-up on the back. The backstitch is another simple stitch that can be used, where the stitch can be any length and go in any direction. The stitch is created by inserting the needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through odd-numbered holes.
Another stitch used in plastic canvas work is the Scotch stitch, which is a series of angled stitches that form a square. This stitch is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas. To finish the edges of a project, the overcast stitch is often used, which neatly covers the edges. The lark's head knot stitch is also used for finishing edges and creating a fringe.
To begin stitching, hold the end of the thread on the back of the canvas and weave the tail into the stitches as you work. When you complete a row, insert the needle and yarn through several completed stitches, pull tight, and trim the yarn close to the canvas to avoid any loose ends.
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Joining two pieces
Another way to join two pieces of plastic canvas is by lining up the matching holes of two pieces and passing the needle through both holes two or three times. Continue along the join, and finish by weaving the yarn underneath the backs of the stitches in multiple directions to secure it. This technique is particularly useful for curved seams where the holes don't line up exactly.
For a seamless join, you can also try overlapping a couple of holes and stitching the two pieces together. This method is better for dimensional pieces. When using this method, ensure that the pieces are lined up correctly, especially for the first few stitches.
Joining stitches can be worked in both left and right directions, and they are useful for ensuring that all your cross stitches face the same way. When joining pieces with curved or angled seams, make extra stitches to compensate for the plastic edge. Once all the pieces are joined, finish off the edges with an overcast stitch.
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Finishing edges
Finishing the edges of your plastic canvas cross-stitch can be done in several ways. One common method is to use an overcast stitch, which protects the raw edge of the canvas and adds another layer of thread along the edge. This can be useful if you want a black edge to your design, but it may also cause the cross-stitch to be less visible. To do this, work from right to left or left to right, whichever is more comfortable. Secure the yarn by holding the last inch to the back of the canvas and pass the needle through each hole from the back to the front two or three times per hole to cover the tail. At the corners, you may need to pass the needle through a few more times for full coverage. Weave the end of the yarn underneath the back of the stitches in several directions to secure it.
Another method is to use a whipstitch to join two or more pieces of canvas together. Stack the canvas pieces on top of each other so that the edges are flush. Pull the needle up through the top edge hole of both canvases. Wrap the thread tightly against the edges, insert the needle into the next hole, and pull it through. Repeat this process until you reach the bottom of the canvas.
You can also finish the edges of your plastic canvas by adding a felt backing. Cut the felt slightly smaller than the trimmed plastic canvas, and glue it to the back of your project. Trim the felt to the edge of the canvas, and if the outline changes colour frequently, attach the felt with translucent thread along the same backstitch line. This will help to eliminate glue that may yellow over time.
Before you begin stitching, it is recommended to cover the plastic canvas edges with masking tape to avoid snags. You can also trim the rough edges and cut off the corners at an angle for a more finished look.
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Choosing a canvas
Plastic canvas and perforated plastic come in many different colours, but white and clear are the easiest to find. Choose a colour that complements your overall project. While most of the canvas will be covered in embroidery floss, small parts might show through, especially at the corners and joints. Clear works for everything!
The "count" of the plastic canvas indicates how many square holes there are per inch. Common sizes of plastic canvas are 5 count, 7 count, and 10 count. You can also get 14 count, which is fun for making tiny things! The higher the count, the smaller the stitches. You can make a design smaller or larger just by changing the fabric count.
You can buy plastic canvas from Amazon, Etsy, 123Stitch, EverythingCrossStitch, or your local craft store. Amazon offers a 12-pack of plastic canvas, but the listings and prices are constantly changing, and you'll need to pay attention to whether it's clear or white canvas. Most people prefer clear, but white has its uses.
If you're stitching with a number of different strands, you might prefer to use 2 strands, but some feel that too much of the canvas shows through.
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Threading the needle
For plastic canvas, a smaller needle is required to pass through the holes, and the thread should be around 18 inches long. The needle size should correspond to the thickness of the canvas and the type of thread used. For instance, heavy-duty canvas requires larger needles, with a size 90/14 or higher for lighter canvas, and 110/18 or higher for heavy-duty canvas.
When threading, hold the yarn in your left hand and the needle in your right. Wrap the yarn once around the eye of the needle and hold the crease with your thumb and index finger. Remove the needle, keeping the yarn taut, and slide the eye of the needle between your thumb and index finger to insert the yarn. The needle should move, not the yarn.
If you are having trouble threading the needle, try turning it over and inserting the thread from the opposite direction.
For plastic canvas, you can use a regular needle and floss, with 2-3 strands of thread. It is important to note that the plastic canvas will not give like fabric, so pushing the needle through can be challenging.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic canvas is a type of needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs. It is often sold in rectangular sheets, but it also comes in fun shapes like hearts and circles.
The most common stitches used on plastic canvas are the running stitch, backstitch, scotch stitch, straight stitch, French knot, and overcast stitch.
Thread your needle with yarn or floss, leaving a two-inch tail. Insert the needle through the backside of the canvas, then stitch over the tail until it is completely covered.
Use an overcast stitch to finish the edges of your plastic canvas project. Go up through the bottom of the first slot and pull through. Repeat for each slot, doing three stitches at the corners to cover each side.
You can buy plastic canvas at craft stores or online. Common online retailers include Amazon, 123Stitch, EverythingCrossStitch, and Etsy.
