Ethan Clarke
Plastic canvas is a fun and easy craft that involves stitching on a plastic canvas to create three-dimensional projects. It is an accessible craft for beginners, with simple techniques for basic stitches that can be used to create a variety of projects, from ornaments to wall hangings. To read plastic canvas patterns, it is important to understand the different types of stitches used, such as the half cross-stitch, tent stitch, and continental stitch, and how to count and follow the graphs provided. The graphs serve as guides for counting, cutting, and stitching, and it is important to maintain the correct tension when stitching to ensure the desired look for your project. With the right techniques and practice, anyone can create beautiful and intricate designs on plastic canvas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Graphs | Used for counting, cutting and stitching guides |
| Graphs | Not designed to be used as actual patterns for cutting canvas |
| Stitching | Start with the upper-left stitch |
| Stitching | Bring the needle up on odd numbers and down on even numbers |
| Stitching | Maintain steady tension |
| Stitching | Start a new colour by holding a section against the back and stitching over the end |
| Stitching | Vertical stitches are easy to do |
| Stitching | Diagonal stitches are often called tent stitch or continental stitch |
| Stitching | Half cross-stitches are used for all main areas |
| Stitching | Overcast stitches are used to finish off the edges |
| Stitching | Overcast and joining stitch is used for finishing edges or joining two pieces of canvas |
| Cutting | Cut the canvas between the bars |
| Cutting | Leave one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line |
| Cutting | Cut away surplus canvas after all stitching is completed |
| Finishing | Add a felt backing to coasters |
| Finishing | Add a hanger to a wall hanging or ornament |
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What You'll Learn
Reading plastic canvas graphs
Plastic canvas patterns often require following a graph to cut your pieces. However, it is important to note that these graphs are not actual size, and are instead meant to be used as guides for counting, cutting, and stitching. To use a graph, count the holes on it, mark the same number on your canvas, and then cut. Some patterns may include placement lines to help you position decorative stitched pieces, while others may direct you to place items "as shown in photo".
When beginning a stitching project, bring your threaded needle up through the canvas from the back, working over the yarn. Start stitching on an uncut piece of plastic canvas to avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges, beginning with the upper-left stitch. To finish off a colour, run the needle under 4 to 5 stitches on the back and clip off. Then, start the new colour by holding a section against the back and stitching over the end.
There are several types of stitches that can be used on plastic canvas, including the continental stitch, the running stitch, the overcast stitch, the whipstitch, and the slanted Gobelin stitch. The continental stitch is the most fundamental stitch and is used to fill in large areas with colour. The running stitch is used to add detail and outline portions of the design. The overcast stitch is used to cover the raw edges of the canvas, resulting in a series of diagonal stitches. The whipstitch is used to join two pieces of canvas together while covering the edges. Finally, the slanted Gobelin stitch is worked over two bars to quickly fill in large areas.
After completing all stitching, cut away the surplus canvas, making sure to leave one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. This will ensure enough plastic remains to overcast and finish the edges. For projects such as coasters or wall hangings, additional finishing techniques may be required, such as adding a felt backing or a hanger.
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Basic stitches
Plastic canvas is a great way to get into stitching, as the larger grid and thicker yarn make it easier to see what you're doing. It's also a good foundation for other embroidery patterns like needlepoint and cross-stitch. There are several basic stitches that can be used for plastic canvas, and these are outlined below.
The running stitch is a series of one-bar (one grid line) stitches. To do this, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 1. Then, insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 2. Pull the needle up again through the back of the canvas at row 1, hole 3, and insert the needle down through the top of the canvas at row 1, hole 4. Repeat this process to create a row of running stitches.
The Scotch stitch is a series of angled stitches that form a square. This stitch is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas. To create this stitch, 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.
The long stitch is similar to the continental stitch but spans three boxes instead of two. You can decide whether you want your long stitch to be slanted or straight up and down.
There are also two basic stitches you can use to finish the edges of your plastic canvas: 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 create a lark's head knot, insert the needle through the top of the canvas at an edge hole. Pull the thread or yarn to the left side, then 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. To create a clean edge with an overcast stitch, pull the needle up through the back of the canvas at an edge hole and wrap the thread or floss tightly against the edge of the canvas.
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Finishing stitches
There are several types of finishing stitches that can be used for plastic canvas projects. One popular method is the overcast stitch, which neatly covers the edges of the canvas, giving it a polished and finished look. This stitch is done by following the edge of the canvas with your needle and yarn in a continental fashion. Another option is to use a backstitch, which involves stitching around the edges of the canvas. This technique is especially useful if you want to create projects where both sides of the canvas will be visible, such as keychains or earrings.
Additionally, you can use specific stitches to connect pieces of plastic canvas to create a larger canvas. The whipstitch is commonly used for this purpose. To execute this stitch, stack your canvas pieces so that the edges are flush, and then stitch through the holes of both canvases, wrapping the thread tightly against the edges.
It is important to note that not all cross-stitch patterns are suitable for plastic canvas. Before starting a project, ensure that your design contains only whole cross stitches and backstitches, as fractionals or French knots cannot be worked on plastic canvas.
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Choosing a pattern
Plastic canvas is a versatile material that can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from simple coasters and wall hangings to more complex 3D creations like tissue box covers and toys. When choosing a pattern, consider the following:
Skill Level
Plastic canvas is a great material for beginners as it is easy to see and count the holes, but if you are new to stitching, it's important to master the basic stitches and familiarise yourself with the required materials before attempting complicated patterns. Look for patterns that use whole cross stitches and backstitches, as fractionals and French knots cannot be worked on plastic canvas. You can also choose patterns with a simple outline to make cutting the canvas easier.
Project Type
Decide on the type of project you want to create. Do you want to make a two-dimensional object like a wall hanging or coaster, or explore the world of 3D creations? If you're feeling adventurous, you can even design your own pattern to stitch on the plastic canvas.
Stitch Coverage
Choose a pattern that has full coverage of stitches, as unstitched areas of canvas showing around a design may not look very pleasing to the eye. The scotch stitch, for example, is a series of angled stitches that can be used to cover large areas of plastic canvas.
Canvas Type
Plastic canvas comes in different colours and mesh sizes, which refer to the number of stitches per inch. The most common sizes are 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh. Clear plastic canvas is ideal if you want the focus to be on the stitches, while coloured canvas can add a playful touch to your project.
Finishing Techniques
Consider the finishing techniques required for your chosen pattern. Some projects may require additional steps such as adding a felt backing or a hanger. The fringe edge, created with the lark's head knot, and the clean edge, achieved with the overcast stitch, are two basic stitches used to finish the edges of your plastic canvas.
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Additional techniques
Plastic canvas is a versatile material that can be used for various needlecrafts, including cross-stitching and embroidery. It is perfect for both two-dimensional objects like wall hangings and coasters, and three-dimensional creations like tissue box covers and napkin rings. Here are some additional techniques to enhance your plastic canvas projects:
Joining Panels
Joining panels is essential when creating three-dimensional objects or larger projects. Seam your canvas pieces together using whipstitching, which helps join the pieces while neatly covering the edges.
Starting and Ending Strands
Knowing how to start and end a strand is fundamental to plastic canvas stitching. Begin by bringing your threaded needle up through the canvas from the back, working over the yarn. To end a strand, ensure you secure it properly to prevent unravelling.
Working with Colours
When working with multiple colours, you will typically work with one colour at a time, skipping over spaces. Floating your yarn and stitching in this way ensures that the colours on the front show through clearly.
Overcasting
Overcasting is a technique used to cover the raw edges of a plastic canvas piece. It involves stitching in each hole along the straight edges, creating a series of diagonal stitches that neatly wrap around the canvas.
Continental Stitch
The continental stitch is a fundamental stitch used in plastic canvas designs. It is worked diagonally over one square and is perfect for filling in large areas with colour.
Running Stitch
The running stitch is used to add detail and outline specific portions of your design. It provides a great way to accentuate certain elements within your pattern. This stitch can be worked in any direction, giving you flexibility in your design.
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Frequently asked questions
Stitching on plastic canvas is easy and fun once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips:
- Start with an uncut piece of plastic canvas to avoid snagging yarn or floss on ragged edges.
- Use masking tape on the edges to avoid snags.
- Maintain steady tension to achieve the desired look.
- Use a half cross-stitch for each symbol on the chart unless otherwise indicated.
- Bring the needle up on odd numbers and down on even numbers.
Graphs are provided for counting, cutting, and stitching guides. Placement lines may be shown on the graph to help you place decorative stitched pieces. You can also cut away surplus canvas after all stitching is completed, making sure to leave one plastic bar between the stitches and cutting line.
The overcast stitch is often used to finish the edges of the plastic canvas. This is done by taking the needle through in the same direction (back to front) for each stitch.
There are three main types of stitches used for plastic canvas:
- Vertical stitches
- Diagonal stitches (often called tent stitch or continental stitch)
- Half cross-stitch
Plastic canvas can be tough to work with due to its stiffness. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid patterns with 1/4 or 3/4 stitches as you cannot pierce the material.
- Be careful about your tension to prevent the plastic from peeking through.
- Do not run your thread for more than 3 squares to avoid adding bulk to the back of your project.
- Consider the type of canvas you are using (round vs. square holes) as it may affect the neatness of your stitches.
