Chloe Zhang
Plastic canvas coasters are a fun and easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. The process involves cutting and stitching plastic canvas into squares to create decorative and useful coasters. To finish the coasters, the reverse side can be covered with felt, fabric, cork, or adhesive-backed foam sheets to hide any messy stitching. While some people use hot glue to attach the backing, others recommend sewing it on or using self-adhesive materials to avoid the risk of glue soaking through and creating a mess. With the right tools and materials, anyone can create their own unique set of plastic canvas coasters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required Skills | Basic sewing skills |
| Tools | Plastic canvas, yarn, scissors, tapestry needle, glue gun, pencil, embroidery scissors, adhesive-backed foam sheet, felt, fabric, cork, jewelry pliers |
| Steps | 1. Cut the plastic canvas to the desired size. 2. Outline the design in pencil. 3. Stitch the design, filler, and border. 4. Attach the backing (felt, fabric, or cork) to hide the reverse side and any messy stitching. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a pattern
When choosing a pattern for your plastic canvas coasters, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the theme or style you want to achieve. For example, if you are creating Ancient Egypt-themed coasters, you might choose symbols such as the Eye of Horus or the Ankh. Alternatively, you might opt for a more modern and colourful design, such as a checkered pattern or a bright colour combination.
The type of stitch you use will also influence the overall pattern and design of your coasters. The Scotch Stitch, for instance, involves creating a series of diagonal stitches that form boxes. This stitch is perfect for plastic canvas coasters as it creates a sturdy and durable fabric. You can also experiment with different stitch orders. For instance, you can stitch the design first, followed by the filler and then the border. Alternatively, you can change this order to suit your preferences.
The size of the mesh and the type of yarn you use will also impact the pattern and overall look of your coasters. If you are using 7-mesh plastic canvas, a chunky yarn with at least 12 plies is recommended. For other mesh sizes, you can adjust the yarn weight and needle size accordingly. For instance, for a 10-mesh plastic canvas, a lightweight yarn and a smaller tapestry needle are more suitable.
Finally, consider the backing of your coasters. Adding a backing, such as felt or cork, can hide messy stitching and give your coasters a neater appearance. Self-adhesive backing options are available, or you can sew the backing onto your coasters.
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Selecting the right yarn
Yarn Weight:
The weight of the yarn should be chosen based on the mesh size of your plastic canvas. For a 7-count or 7-mesh plastic canvas, a chunky yarn with at least 12 plies is recommended. Using a thinner yarn may require you to double up on strands to avoid it getting "lost" in the canvas. For a 10-mesh plastic canvas, lightweight yarn, such as WeCrochet Brava Sport, is suggested. And for a larger mesh size, like 5-mesh, a chunkier weight yarn is more suitable, such as Lion Brand Hue and Me.
Yarn Type:
The type of yarn you choose can vary depending on your preferences and the look you want to achieve. Cotton yarn, such as WeCrochet Dishie Yarn, is a popular choice for coasters as it is durable and absorbent. Pima cotton, a type of chunky cotton yarn, is also recommended for better coverage of the plastic canvas. Acrylic yarn is another common option, with many people using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn for their coasters. You can also experiment with different yarn types, such as worsted weight yarn, to create unique textures and patterns.
Stitch Pattern:
The stitch pattern you intend to use can influence your yarn choice. For example, the Scotch Stitch, which creates a series of diagonal stitches, may require more yarn than a simpler stitch pattern. Consider the complexity of your desired stitch pattern and plan accordingly, especially if you want to incorporate different colours or designs.
Colour Choices:
Selecting the right colours for your yarn can enhance the overall design of your coasters. You can choose a single colour or experiment with colour combinations, such as a checkered pattern. Consider the theme or style you want to achieve, such as the Ancient Egyptian-inspired designs mentioned earlier, and choose colours that complement each other and your overall aesthetic.
Needle Compatibility:
Ensure that the yarn you select is compatible with the needle you will be using. For plastic canvas projects, a plastic canvas needle or a tapestry needle is typically recommended. Choose a needle size that aligns with the mesh size of your canvas, as mentioned earlier. A needle threader can also be a helpful tool when working with yarn, making it easier to thread the yarn through the needle.
In summary, when selecting the right yarn for your plastic canvas coasters, consider the mesh size, stitch pattern, desired coverage, and aesthetic preferences. Choose a yarn weight and type that aligns with these factors, and don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and stitch patterns to create unique and personalised coasters.
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Stitching techniques
Plastic canvas coasters are a fun and easy project that can be completed in a weekend. Here are some stitching techniques to help you get started:
Stitch Order: You can stitch your design in any order you prefer. Some people like to stitch the design first, followed by the filler and then the border. Others prefer to stitch the design, the border, and then the filler. It's all about personal preference and doesn't impact the final result.
Stitch Type: You can use different stitch types to create various patterns and designs. One popular stitch for plastic canvas coasters is the Scotch Stitch, which involves creating a series of diagonal stitches to form boxes. You can also try the Corner to Corner (C2C) crochet technique, where you start from one corner, increase stitches until you reach the desired size, and then decrease back down to one stitch.
Yarn Choice: For 7-count plastic canvas, use chunky yarn that is at least 12 ply. If you use thinner yarn, you may need to double it up to avoid it getting 'lost' in the canvas. You can also experiment with different yarn weights and colours to create unique coasters. Cotton yarn, for example, is durable and absorbent, making it a good choice for coasters.
Needle and Threaders: Use a plastic canvas needle that corresponds to the size of your canvas. For a 7-count canvas, a size 7 needle is recommended. Additionally, a needle threader can be very helpful when working with yarn, especially when using smaller needles. It's a good idea to have multiple needle threaders on hand, as they can bend out of shape over time.
Backing: Adding a backing to your coaster, such as felt or cork, can help hide messy stitching on the reverse side and give your coaster a neater appearance. Self-adhesive backing is an easy option, or you can sew the backing on with a whipstitch for a more secure hold.
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Backing options
Felt Backing
One popular option for backing plastic canvas coasters is to use felt. This can be done by sewing a piece of felt to the back of the coaster. While regular felt can be sewn on, it may not result in a neat finish. Self-adhesive felt is a better option, as it is easier to attach and provides a cleaner finish. You can also use hot glue to attach the felt, but be cautious as it can soak through the fabric and possibly melt the plastic canvas. It is recommended to test any glue on a small sample first.
Fabric or Cork Backing
For a different look and feel, you can also back your plastic canvas coasters with fabric or cork. These materials can be cut to size and attached with glue or stitching. Fabric and cork provide a unique appearance and texture to your coasters while also serving the functional purpose of hiding any messy stitching.
Adhesive-Backed Foam Sheet
Another option for backing your plastic canvas coasters is to use an adhesive-backed foam sheet. Cut the sheet to the same size as your coaster and attach it to the back. This method provides a simple and quick solution to finishing your coasters, offering a neat and tidy appearance.
When considering backing options for your plastic canvas coasters, it's important to prioritize materials that will complement the design and provide a functional purpose. Felt, fabric, cork, and adhesive-backed foam sheets are all great choices, offering different advantages in terms of ease of application, aesthetic appeal, and overall functionality.
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Attaching the backing
Choosing the Backing Material:
The backing material you choose depends on the desired finish and your personal preference. Common options include felt, fabric, cork, or adhesive-backed foam sheets. Felt is a popular choice as it can be easily sewn or glued onto the coaster. Self-adhesive felt is also an option, offering a quick and easy solution. However, some people prefer the look of fabric or cork for a more unique finish.
Cutting the Backing Material:
Ensure your backing material is cut to the same size as your coaster. This ensures a neat and precise finish. If you're using felt or fabric, cut a square that matches the dimensions of your coaster. For adhesive-backed foam sheets, cut an A4 sheet to size.
Sewing the Backing:
Sewing the backing is a preferred method by some crafters as it avoids the potential issues of using glue. Use a needle and thread to sew the backing material to the coaster. You can hide the end of the thread in the yarn for a neat finish. Try to go down through a hole in the liner and then diagonally up through the yarn to secure it in place. A whipstitch is recommended for a secure and discrete join.
Gluing the Backing:
If you prefer to use glue, a hot glue gun is an option, but proceed with caution. Some crafters advise against using hot glue as it can potentially yellow or even melt the plastic canvas. It is recommended to test any glue on a small sample first. E5000 craft glue is suggested as a safer alternative to hot glue. When gluing, apply the glue along the edges of the coaster, and you can also dab it in the middle for extra security. Work in sections to avoid the glue drying out before you can attach the backing.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plastic canvas, yarn, a needle, thread, scissors, and a hot glue gun.
First, cut the plastic canvas into squares. Then, stitch the coasters using a scotch stitch or a corner-to-corner crochet technique. Finally, attach a backing to the coasters using glue or by sewing.
The yarn should be chunky, at least 12 ply for 7-count plastic canvas. You can use cotton yarn, such as WeCrochet Dishie Yarn, or a chunky weight Pima cotton yarn, such as WeCrochet Billow.
You can use felt, fabric, cork, or an adhesive-backed foam sheet. Self-adhesive felt is easy to use, but you can also sew the backing onto the coasters using a whipstitch.
