Chloe Zhang
Plastic canvas is a versatile and durable material used for various needlecrafts, including cross-stitching. It is a popular choice for beginners as it is easy to count the holes and stitch. The plastic canvas comes in different shapes and colours, and you can cut it into your desired shape. The most common size is 14 count, which means 14 stitches per inch. You can use stranded cottons, tapestry wool, or any thread of your choice for stitching. Once you're done stitching, you can finish your creation by turning it into keyrings, pendants, needle minders, magnets, badges, pins, earrings, and more!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Size | 14 stitches per inch |
| Canvas Colour | Clear or white |
| Canvas Shape | Rectangular sheets |
| Stitching Technique | Cross stitch as normal, following a chart and key |
| Stitching Direction | Start from the centre and work outwards |
| Stitching Needle | Tapestry needle |
| Stitching Thread | Stranded cottons, tapestry wool, embroidery floss, or yarn |
| Stitching Tips | Avoid fractionals or French knots; ensure full coverage of stitches; trim leftover "stems" |
| Finishing Techniques | Overcasting, overstitching, whipstitching |
| Finishing Tips | Avoid cutting into holes with thread; trim corners for easier sewing |
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What You'll Learn
Use a tapestry needle and stranded cotton
Plastic canvas is a stiff, durable, and inexpensive material that is great for beginners to use for cross-stitching. It is easy to see and count the holes in the canvas, and it is simple to stitch. The canvas comes in rectangular sheets that can be cut down to size, and it is also available in fun shapes like hearts, circles, and even purses.
To start, you will need a tapestry needle, which has a large eye and a blunt, round tip. The large eye allows you to thread multiple strands of yarn or floss. You will need a different size needle for each plastic canvas count. For example, for 14-count canvas, use a size 24 tapestry needle with three or four strands of stranded cotton for good coverage. For 10-count perforated plastic, use a size 22 tapestry needle with six strands, and for 7-count, use eight strands, but only if you are an advanced stitcher.
When threading your needle, separate the strands one at a time. Bring your yarn up and through a hole on the canvas, holding about one to two inches of yarn onto the backside. 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 you are holding behind as you go.
To overstitch on a 14-count canvas, thread your needle with three or four strands of stranded cotton. Secure the thread at one end under completed stitches on the reverse side, then bring the needle up over the top of the canvas and back down through the first hole along. Repeat this process, going through the next hole each time. Once you reach the other end, secure the thread under completed stitches on the reverse side of the canvas and snip off.
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Cut the plastic canvas before or after stitching
Plastic canvas is a fun, easy, and inexpensive craft. The sheets of plastic canvas are similar to cross-stitch linen, but the holes for sewing are much larger. It comes in a variety of colours and shapes, such as rectangles, hearts, circles, and even purses. The sheets can be cut down to size as needed.
When cutting the plastic canvas, it is important to remember that it is very difficult to fix a mistake. Some people choose to stitch the pieces first and then cut them out, leaving an outer plastic edge for each piece. This method requires you to remember to leave enough space for cutting. When cutting, always cut outside of your stitching, leaving one bar in place to keep your stitches in place.
If you are cutting before stitching, you will need to purchase a large rectangle and cut it down to size. You can also purchase pre-cut crosses. If you are cutting your own shapes, it is recommended that you count twice and cut once to avoid mistakes.
After cutting, you can finish the edges of your plastic canvas by stitching with overcast stitches. This will protect the raw edge of the canvas but will add another layer of thread along the edge. You can work this into your design if you need a black edge, but it may cause the great cross stitch to be lost.
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Overcasting the edges protects the raw edge
Plastic canvas crafts are a fun and inexpensive way to create a variety of items, from keychains to ornaments. When it comes to finishing your plastic canvas cross stitch, one popular method is overcasting the edges. Overcasting, or using an overcast stitch, is a type of edge stitching that helps protect the raw edge of the canvas.
The overcast stitch is a useful technique to prevent fraying and ensure your creation stands the test of time. It neatly secures the hem, creating a professional finish. This is particularly beneficial when working with fine fabrics or projects that will be handled frequently, such as keyrings or needle minders.
To achieve this, you can use an overcast foot, also known as an overedge or overlocking foot, which is attached to your sewing machine. This handy tool allows the thread to wrap around the edge of the fabric, creating a similar effect to that of an overlocker. By lining up the fabric edge against the guide and selecting the appropriate stitch, you can achieve a neat finish.
However, overcasting the edges is not the only way to protect your work. Some crafters choose to backstitch an unstitched piece of plastic canvas to the back of their work, ensuring the back remains undamaged. Others opt for alternatives like blanket stitch, zig-zag stitch, or serging the edges. Additionally, non-sewing methods such as fray check or tape can also help prevent fraying.
While overcasting the edges has its advantages, it can add another layer of thread to your work, which may or may not suit your design. Ultimately, the choice of finishing method depends on the specific project and your personal preference.
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Use a blunt-tipped needle with a large eyehole
Plastic canvas is a durable material used for needlecrafts, including cross-stitching. It is similar to cross-stitch linen, but the holes for sewing are much larger. When working with plastic canvas, it is important to use the right kind of needle. You should use a tapestry needle, just like you would when cross-stitching on fabric.
A tapestry needle with a blunt tip and a large eyehole is ideal for plastic canvas. The blunt tip is important because it will not pierce or damage the plastic canvas. The large eyehole is necessary because the embroidery floss or yarn used for plastic canvas is thicker than the thread used for fabric cross-stitch. You will need to be able to fit the thicker floss or yarn through the eyehole of the needle.
You can find metal or plastic tapestry needles with blunt tips and large eyeholes at craft stores or online. Make sure to get the right size needle for your canvas. For example, a size 24 tapestry needle is recommended for 14-count canvas, while a size 22 needle is recommended for 10-count canvas.
Using the correct needle will make it easier to stitch on plastic canvas and will help you achieve better results.
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Stitch from the centre outwards to avoid running out of space
When cross-stitching on plastic canvas, it's important to stitch from the centre outwards to avoid running out of space. This is because, unlike with fabric, you can't fold plastic canvas in half to find the centre point. Instead, you must measure both the horizontal and vertical dimensions with a ruler or tape measure.
To start stitching, use a tapestry needle and lightly run it over the surface of the canvas to feel the dips of the holes. Then, simply cross-stitch as normal, following your chart and key, working outwards from the central point. Finishing a length of thread? Work your needle through a few stitches on the reverse side, then carefully snip off the ends close to the surface for a tidy finish.
It's worth noting that not all cross-stitch patterns can be stitched on plastic canvas. Your design should contain whole cross stitches and backstitches only, as fractionals and French knots won't work on this material. Additionally, when cutting your plastic canvas, be sure to cut on the holes, leaving the bars fully intact. This will ensure that your stitches stay securely on the canvas.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of plastic canvas for cross-stitching is perforated plastic, which has circular holes that help create a full-coverage look. However, if you can only find plastic canvas with square holes, you can still create beautiful 3D fibre art.
The most common size in the cross-stitch community is 14 count, which means 14 stitches per inch. However, the size you use will depend on the project you are working on.
You will need a tapestry needle, stranded cotton, tapestry wool, or any thread of your choice. You can also use yarn for 5 ct plastic canvas.
There are a few ways to finish your plastic canvas cross-stitch, including overcasting the edges of your work to protect the raw edge, or backing it with the same cross stitch to make keyrings, earrings, tags, and other items.
