Sofia Martinez
Plastic canvas is a cheap, fun, and easy way to create decorative 3D designs. The perforated plastic canvas comes in rectangular sheets that can be cut down as needed and there is also a variety of shaped canvases like hearts, circles, and even purses. The canvas is categorized by the number of stitches per inch, referred to as the mesh, with the most common sizes being 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh. The canvas can be clear plastic or coloured, but it is important to check the materials list at the top of any pattern to determine which materials are required. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and familiarize yourself with the required materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic canvas needlepoint | A variation of traditional needlepoint used to create decorative 3D designs |
| Stitching techniques | Backstitch, continental stitch, overcast stitch, scotch stitch, running stitch, French knot, joining stitch |
| Stitching directions | Straight stitch, formed by bringing the needle up through the canvas and down to the back; running stitch, by passing the needle over the yarn stitches on the right side and under the back side |
| Stitching tips | Avoid coloured canvas unless the pattern calls for it; master basic stitches and familiarize yourself with the required materials; begin stitching on an uncut piece of canvas to avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges |
| Additional techniques | Adding a felt backing to coasters or a hanger to a wall hanging or ornament |
| Plastic canvas types | Rectangular sheets, hearts, circles, and purse shapes; perforated plastic with circular holes for a full-coverage look |
| Plastic canvas sizes | Categorized by the number of stitches per inch ("mesh"), with common sizes being 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh |
| Cutting tips | Cut plastic before or after stitching, leaving at least 2 bars between pieces; trim corners to make it easier to sew pieces together for 3D patterns |
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Basic stitches
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a variation of traditional needlepoint. It is used to create decorative 3D designs. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master the basic stitches and familiarize yourself with the required materials.
- Half Cross Stitch: This is the most basic stitch used in plastic canvas crafts. You can create neat, small stitches and paint your plastic canvas with colours.
- Overcast Stitch: Finish any raw edges on your canvas pieces with this stitch. It’s essential for all plastic canvas projects so that the plastic is not visible when you’re finished.
- Backstitch: Backstitches are created by inserting your needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through the canvas at odd-numbered holes. This stitch may be of any length and go in any direction.
- Continental Stitch: This is a basic stitch that is used on most patterns. Start the stitch by leaving about a 1-inch tail of yarn on the backside and bringing your needle up through the hole. Go back down to the backside at the next hole. All stitches are done in a left-to-right manner.
- Slanted Gobelin Stitch: This stitch is a variation of the regular continental stitch but can be done over 2 or more threads of the canvas at a time.
- 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.
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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.
To create a Scotch stitch, you can either stitch the plastic canvas first and then cut out the square, or cut the plastic canvas square first and then stitch. The stitch is formed by a series of diagonal stitches, creating a box. Start in the top corner, working from one box diagonally into the very next hole with no holes in between, similar to a continental stitch. For the second stitch, bring your needle up in the hole next to where you started, work diagonally, skipping one hole in the middle, and finish by inserting your needle into the hole that is directly underneath where your previous stitch was worked. Continue working in this manner until you reach your desired size. The Scotch stitch can be worked over a 3x3 or 4x4 area, or larger.
For a 7-mesh plastic canvas, you can use WeCrochet Dishie Yarn, which is colourfast and made of cotton. For a 10-mesh plastic canvas, a #22 tapestry needle and lightweight #3 yarn, like WeCrochet Brava Sport, are recommended.
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Backstitch
Firstly, it is important to note that the backstitch can be worked to any length and in any direction. This stitch is created by inserting your needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through the canvas at odd-numbered holes. For example, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at hole 2, then push it down through the top of the canvas at hole 1. Repeat this process, pulling the needle up through hole 4 and pushing it down through hole 3. This stitch may be continued in any direction, forming a straight line or a curve, as desired.
The backstitch is a versatile stitch that can be used to create a variety of designs. It is often used in needlepoint, a variation of traditional embroidery that is commonly done on plastic canvas. Before attempting more complex patterns, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the basic stitches and the materials required.
To create a clean finish on the back of your canvas, ensure that there are no loose threads hanging. To achieve this, stitch over the tail of the thread by first inserting the needle through the backside of the canvas, leaving a small tail. Hold the tail against the back of the canvas, following your intended stitch line. Then, execute your stitches over the tail, ensuring it is completely covered.
Additionally, when finishing the edges of your plastic canvas, you can use the overcast stitch. This is done by taking the needle through each hole in the same direction, from back to front, creating a clean edge. For a fringe edge, you can use the lark's head knot stitch, which creates a loop that hangs from the backside of the canvas.
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Continental stitch
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 familiarize yourself with the required materials. One such basic stitch is the continental stitch, which is used to create horizontal rows of angled stitches.
To create a continental stitch, start by pulling the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 2. Then, insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 2, hole 1. Next, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 3. Finally, insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 2, hole 2.
To continue the pattern, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 4, and insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 2, hole 3. Repeat this process, moving from left to right across the canvas to create a row of angled stitches.
It is important to maintain consistent stitch direction when using the continental stitch. Additionally, this stitch can be useful for outlining the perimeter of your design, especially if it has a contoured border or shape.
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Ornament hangers
Plastic canvas is a versatile material that can be used to create various items, including ornaments and ornament hangers. Here is a step-by-step guide to making ornament hangers using plastic canvas:
Supplies:
- Plastic canvas triangles: These are readily available online and in craft stores. The triangles have triangular holes, which may seem daunting for stitching, but the holes line up nicely in diagonal and vertical rows, making it easy to stitch and create your desired designs.
- Yarn or synthetic raffia: You can choose to stitch your ornaments with yarn or synthetic raffia. Synthetic raffia adds a nice matte finish and a straw-like look, but it requires careful spreading of each strand before stitching for maximum coverage. Yarn, on the other hand, is easier to work with and provides good coverage with one or two strands.
- Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the plastic canvas triangles and yarn or raffia.
- Needle: A needle is required for stitching the plastic canvas and creating the ornament hanger design.
Instructions:
- Trim the Bottom Corners: Start by trimming the bottom corners of eight plastic canvas triangles. Use the bottom row of holes as a guide. Count five holes from each corner and make your cuts. This will create the base structure of your ornament hanger.
- Stitching: Thread your needle with your chosen colour of yarn or raffia. Begin stitching at the bottom right corner of one of the triangles. Pass the needle up and then back down at the next corner, forming a long diagonal stitch that follows the diagonal row of holes. Repeat this process, creating four more stitches along the top edge of the triangle, keeping them all the same length.
- Adding Sturdiness: Sew on four little squares of plastic canvas to the ornament hanger structure. This step adds surprising sturdiness to your creation.
- Joining the Pieces: Nest the two halves of your ornament hanger together. Sew a meandering seam all around the middle to join the two pieces securely. You can refer to online tutorials on PC construction for further clarification on this step.
- Creating the Loop: To create a hanging loop for your ornament, you can use the same yarn or raffia. Stitch or weave a loop at the top of the ornament hanger, ensuring it is securely attached and large enough to hang on a branch or hook.
You can also create ornament hangers using wire, which offers a timeless and rustic look. Here is a simplified process:
- Cut an 8-inch piece of wire.
- Hold one end of the wire against a mandrel and wrap it around to create a half-circle, forming the first loop of an "S" shape.
- Flip the wire and wrap the other end in the opposite direction, mirroring the first loop to complete the "S" shape.
- Secure the ornament by twisting the loop to form a closed circle.
Happy crafting!
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Frequently asked questions
All stitches begin on the back of your work. Bring your yarn up and through a hole on the canvas, holding about 1-2 inches of yarn onto the backside.
When you get to the corners, do three stitches to cover each side and the corner. Run the yarn through several of the stitches you've already made on the back. Pull the yarn taut and trim.
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. Wrap the thread or floss tightly against the edge of the canvas.
Stack your canvas so that the edges are flush. Stitch together two or more pieces with a whipstitch.
