Sofia Martinez
Plastic canvas is a grid structure formed by a series of holes and bars. Once the stitching is complete, the surplus canvas can be cut away, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. There are several ways to finish the edges of a plastic canvas, including overcasting, backing with felt, backstitching, and using masking tape. Overcasting involves stitching over the raw edge of the canvas, adding a layer of thread along the edge. This can be combined with backing the canvas with felt to create a softer finish. Backstitching involves stitching around the edges of the canvas, and can also be combined with a felt backing. Masking tape can also be used to cover the edges of the canvas to avoid snags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stitching technique | Overcast stitch, Whipstitch, Scotch stitch, Backstitch |
| Stitching direction | Right to left or left to right |
| Stitching process | Secure the yarn by passing the needle through each hole from the back to the front 2-3 times. Weave the yarn under stitches in multiple directions to secure it. |
| Additional steps | Trim the edges, cut corners at an angle, add felt backing, add a hanger |
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What You'll Learn
Overcasting the edges
Overcasting is a technique used to cover the raw edges of a single piece of plastic canvas. It can also be used to join two pieces of plastic canvas together. This stitch is essential for 3D sewing with plastic canvas and for finishing 2D pieces neatly.
To begin, you should always start with an uncut piece of plastic canvas to avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges. You can also cover the edges with masking tape to avoid snags. When stitching, work from right to left or left to right, whichever is most comfortable for you.
To overcast the edges, 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 and insert the needle into the next hole. Pull it through and repeat until you reach the bottom of the canvas. When you reach a corner, work 2-3 stitches to ensure full coverage. Trim the sharp edge of the corner with fine-tip scissors, being careful not to cut into the hole. A less sharp corner will make it easier for your yarn to cover the canvas.
To finish, weave the end of the yarn underneath the back of the stitches in a few directions to secure it. You can then run the yarn end under an inch or so of stitches on the backside of your work to secure it further.
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Backstitching around the edges
Backstitching is a great way to finish a plastic canvas edge. It is a simple stitch that can be worked in any direction and can be of any length. To create a backstitch, insert your needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and push it down through the canvas at odd-numbered holes.
To backstitch around the edges of a plastic canvas, start by securing the end of the yarn by holding the last inch to the back of the canvas. Then, 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 to fully cover the canvas.
If you are working with a plastic canvas that has already been cut, you can use an overcast and joining stitch to finish the edges. This stitch comes up in one hole, over the border bar, and up in the next hole, repeating this process. However, this adds another layer of thread along the edge, which may not always be desirable.
If you are creating a project where both sides of the plastic canvas will be visible, such as keychains or earrings, you can back it with the same cross stitch. This involves swapping the pattern over if it is not symmetrical.
Alternatively, if only one side of the plastic canvas will be visible, you can simply backstitch an unstitched piece of plastic canvas to it. You can also attach felt to the back of your project using translucent thread along the same backstitch line. This will eliminate any glue that may yellow or overcasting that may rub and fray.
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Joining two pieces of plastic canvas
Using an Overcast Stitch:
This method is ideal for joining two pieces of plastic canvas at a right angle to create 3D objects like phone pouches, badges, or keyrings. Here's how to do it:
- Secure the end of your yarn by holding the last inch against the back of one of the canvas pieces.
- Pass the needle through each hole from the back to the front two to three times per hole to cover the tail. Repeat this step for both canvas pieces, ensuring they are lined up at a right angle.
- At the corners, you may need to pass the needle through a few extra times for better coverage.
- To finish, weave the end of the yarn underneath the backs of the stitches in multiple directions to secure it.
Using a Whipstitch:
The whipstitch is another option for connecting two pieces of plastic canvas to create a larger canvas. This is how you do it:
- Stack your canvas pieces on top of each other, ensuring the edges are flush.
- Pull the needle up through the top edge hole, going through both canvas pieces.
- Wrap the thread or floss tightly against the edges of the canvas.
- Insert the needle into the next hole and pull it through. Continue wrapping the thread or floss tightly with each stitch.
- Repeat this process until you reach the bottom of the canvas.
Creating a Flat Layer:
If you want to create a flat layer by joining two pieces of canvas, follow these simplified steps:
- Place the two canvas pieces you want to join on top of each other, ensuring the threads and holes are aligned.
- Anchor the thread at the back of the stitches.
- Pass the needle through each set of holes, sewing through both canvas pieces. You can do this on a straight edge or a diagonal line, depending on your project's design.
- Finish by weaving the end of the thread underneath the stitches to secure it.
Remember, when joining plastic canvas pieces, it's essential to line up the holes and threads carefully to ensure a neat and secure join. Additionally, you can use pliers to grip the needle if you find it challenging to pull it through the canvas or stitches.
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Covering raw edges
Covering the raw edges of a plastic canvas can be done in several ways. One common method is to use an overcast stitch, which protects the raw edge of the plastic canvas by adding an extra layer of thread along the edge. This can be advantageous if you want to add a black edge to your design. However, it may cause the cross stitch to be less visible.
To do an overcast stitch, follow these steps:
- 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 to three times per hole to cover the tail. At corners, you may need to pass the needle a few more times for full coverage.
- Sew through both layers of canvas simultaneously to join them.
- Weave the end of the yarn underneath the backs of the stitches in several directions to secure it.
- On curved seams where the holes don't line up, add extra stitches by passing the needle and thread through each set of holes three times for the best coverage.
Another option is to backstitch around the edges. This method avoids the potential issues that can arise with overcasting, such as fraying and yellowing. It also allows you to create projects where both sides are visible, such as keyrings and earrings, by backing the canvas with the same cross stitch. If the back of your project won't be seen, you can simply backstitch an unstitched piece of plastic canvas to it.
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Adding a felt backing
Next, stitch the felt to your canvas. Using a matching colour thread, sew around the border of your design, attaching the felt. You can do a full backstitch border or a running stitch around the edges – both serve the same purpose, but a bold outline might be preferred for aesthetic reasons. Work your way around the design, securing the felt. If you are using a running stitch, pass the needle over the yarn stitches on the right side and under the back side of the canvas, working in an even line and skipping every other space.
If you want to add some stuffing to your creation, leave one side open and fill the charm with polyester fibre fill, or leftover thread ends. This will give your item some form and weight. Once you have finished stitching and added any desired stuffing, close up the final side.
Finally, trim the felt to the edge of the plastic canvas. This will ensure a neat finish to your project. And there you have it – a simple felt backing to finish your plastic canvas edge.
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Frequently asked questions
Overcasting is a popular method to finish a plastic canvas edge. This involves stitching over the edges to protect the raw canvas and prevent fraying. You can also add a backing to your work, such as felt, to give it a neat finish.
Secure the end of your yarn by holding it against the back of the canvas and passing the needle through each hole from the back to the front two to three times. Weave the end of the yarn underneath the stitches to secure it. This will create a neat edge and protect the canvas.
Overcasting the edges of your plastic canvas can protect the raw edge and prevent fraying. It also allows you to back your work with felt or another material, giving it a more polished look and feel.
Yes, an alternative method is to backstitch around the edges. This can be especially useful if both sides of your work will be visible, such as in keychains or earrings. You can also use masking tape to cover the edges and avoid snags.
Cut a piece of felt slightly smaller than your plastic canvas project. Glue the felt to the back of your project, leaving any openings necessary, such as for a lollipop cover. Trim the felt to the edge of the canvas for a clean finish.
