Alexei Volkov
Plastic canvas kits are an enjoyable and stress-free needlework project that can be used to create decorative 3D designs. Before starting a project, it is important to carefully review the requirements and directions. Plastic canvas is categorized by the number of stitches per inch, referred to as the mesh, with common sizes including 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh. A range of stitches can be used, including straight stitches, running stitches, French knots, backstitches, continental stitches, and scotch stitches. To secure your stitches, it is recommended to stitch over the tail and tie a knot on the backside of the canvas. Once all stitching is complete, cut away any surplus canvas, leaving enough space for overcasting the edges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stitching technique | Running stitch, straight stitch, French knot, backstitch, continental stitch, cross stitch, long stitch, whip stitch, scotch stitch |
| Stitching order | All stitches begin on the back of the canvas |
| Stitching direction | Needles can be brought up and down through the canvas in any direction |
| Stitch length | Any length |
| Knots | Tie a knot on the backside of the canvas and weave in the tail |
| Securing stitches | Stitch over the tail to secure the row of stitches |
| Canvas cutting | Cut between the bars, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line |
| Hangers | Use plastic rings or yarn to hang the canvas |
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What You'll Learn
Basic stitches: running, straight, back, continental, cross, long, whip
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs. To start stitching, thread your needle with approximately three feet of yarn or floss. Insert the needle through the backside of the canvas until you're left with a two-inch tail of yarn or floss. Hold the tail against the back of the canvas so that it runs along your stitch line. Execute your stitches over the tail until it is completely covered.
Running Stitch
A running stitch is a series of one-bar (one grid line) stitches. On patterns, this stitch appears as "running stitch". To execute, 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 1, hole 2. Continue this pattern, pulling the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 3, and then down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 4.
Scotch Stitch
The scotch stitch is a series of angled stitches that form a square. It is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas. On patterns, this stitch appears as "scotch stitch". To execute, 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.
Lark's Head Knot
The lark's head knot is used to create a fringe edge. On patterns, this stitch appears as "lark's head". To execute, insert the needle through the top of the canvas at an edge hole. Pull the thread or yarn to the left side. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at the same hole. Create a loop in the thread or yarn, which will hang from the backside of the canvas. Insert the tails through the loop and pull tight.
Overcast Stitch
The overcast stitch is used to create a clean edge. On patterns, this stitch appears as "overcast". To execute, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at an edge hole. Wrap the thread or floss tightly against the edge of the canvas.
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Advanced stitches: French knot, scotch stitch
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs. Here are some tips for advanced stitches, including the French knot and the Scotch stitch.
French Knot
To make a French knot, bring the threaded needle through the canvas and wrap the floss around the needle. Tighten the twists and return the needle through the canvas at the same place. The yarn will slide through the wrapped thread to make the knot.
Scotch Stitch
Scotch stitches are stitched with varying lengths of diagonal stitches and form a filled square shape. You can also work Scotch stitches in a grid-like pattern. To connect pieces of plastic canvas, use a whipstitch. Stack your canvas so that the edges are flush, then pull the needle up through the two canvases at the top edge hole. Wrap the thread or floss tightly against the edges of the canvas, then insert the needle into the next hole and pull it through. Repeat this process until you reach the bottom of the canvas.
Other Advanced Stitches
There are several other advanced stitches that can be used in plastic canvas kits, such as the lark's head knot and the overcast stitch. The lark's head knot creates a fringe edge, while the overcast stitch creates a clean edge. To finish a row of stitches neatly, insert your needle and yarn through several completed stitches on the backside of the canvas.
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Reading patterns: symbols, where to start, coloured canvas
Reading patterns and understanding where to start can be the most challenging part of working with plastic canvas kits. Patterns typically use symbols, and it is important to familiarise yourself with the basic stitches before attempting a project. One stitch to master is the Scotch stitch, which is a series of angled stitches that form a square and is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas. This stitch will appear on patterns as "scotch stitch".
To execute the Scotch stitch, start by pulling the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 2, hole 1. Then, insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 2. Repeat this process, moving down a row and over a hole each time. This will create a row of stitches.
Coloured canvas sheets are available to purchase, and these can be used to create decorative 3D designs. Plastic canvas is a variation of traditional needlepoint, and it is important to understand the basics and the required materials before attempting complicated patterns.
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Securing stitches: stitching over tails, avoiding knots
Plastic canvas kits are a fun and stress-free needlework project. When working on a plastic canvas kit, it is important to secure your stitches without leaving behind unsightly knots or hanging tails. Here are some tips to help you achieve clean and secure stitching:
When starting a new thread, bring the needle up from the back of your work, holding a 1" section of yarn against the back of the canvas. Stitch over this 1" section to secure the yarn without the need for a knot. This will also help keep the back of your work looking neat and tidy.
To avoid leaving hanging tails at the end of a row, flip the canvas so that its back is facing up. Insert your needle and yarn through several completed stitches, pulling the yarn or floss tight. Trim the yarn as close to the canvas as possible to create a clean finish.
If you prefer a clean edge to your work, use an overcast stitch instead of a lark's head knot. Pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at an edge hole and wrap the thread tightly against the edge. Repeat this process at the neighbouring edge hole, creating one stitch per hole along the edge and inner corners. For the outside corners, create 2 to 3 stitches per hole.
When connecting multiple pieces of plastic canvas, use a whipstitch to join them together. Simply stack your canvas pieces so that the edges are flush, and stitch them together to create a larger canvas.
By following these simple techniques, you can secure your stitches and create neat finishes without the need for bulky knots or hanging tails. Enjoy your plastic canvas kit journey!
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Finishing: cutting surplus canvas, wall hanging, greetings cards
When you have completed all the stitching on your plastic canvas, it is time to finish the project. The first step is to cut away the surplus canvas. To do this, cut the canvas between the bars, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. This will ensure there is enough canvas left to overcast the edges. The overcast and joining stitch is used to finish your edges or join two pieces of canvas. To do this stitch, come up in one hole, go over the border bar, and up in the next hole, and repeat. For joining, make sure the holes and edges are aligned before stitching.
Some projects may require additional finishing techniques, such as adding a felt backing to coasters or a hanger to a wall hanging. To add a hanger to a wall hanging, place a plastic ring at the centre of the piece, as close to the top as possible, so that the piece hangs evenly. Stitch the ring in place using sewing thread or floss. If your kit includes two rings, place one at the top right and one at the top left, and stitch in place. Alternatively, cut a 9" length of yarn that matches the top of the project, thread the yarn through the hole at the centre top of the project, and tie the ends together.
If you are making a greetings card, centre the design inside the card opening and affix it in place with double-sided tape. If your plastic canvas has rough edges, you can trim these and cut off the corners at an angle for a finished look. You can also cover the plastic canvas edges with masking tape to avoid snags.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic canvas is a variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs.
You can use a variety of stitches on plastic canvas, including the straight stitch, running stitch, French knot, backstitch, continental stitch, cross-stitch, long stitch, and whip stitch.
To start a new row of stitches, 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 and execute your stitches over the tail.
When you complete a row of stitches, you don't want any loose threads or bulky knots. To create a clean finish, flip the canvas so that its back faces up and tie a knot to secure the thread.
To hang your plastic canvas creation, place a plastic ring at the centre of the piece, as close to the top as possible, and stitch it in place using sewing thread or floss. Alternatively, you can cut a 9" length of yarn that matches the top of the project and thread it through the hole at the centre top, tying the ends together.
