Maya Ellison
Plastic canvas is a fun, easy, and inexpensive craft that can be used to create decorative 3D designs. It is a variation of traditional needlepoint, where the canvas is stitched with yarn or thread to create different patterns and designs. The canvas comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and thicknesses, and there are several types of stitches that can be used to create different effects. This makes plastic canvas a versatile craft that can be used to make a wide range of projects, from greeting cards to ornaments. In this tutorial, we will cover the basic stitches used in plastic canvas, as well as some tips and tricks for working with this unique material.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to do, with only a few basic stitches to learn |
| Cost | Inexpensive |
| Canvas Shape | Rectangular sheets that can be cut down, or pre-cut into shapes like hearts, circles, and purses |
| Canvas Structure | Grid structure with holes and bars (gridlines) |
| Canvas Colors | Clear or colored |
| Canvas Thickness | Soft, regular, or stiff |
| Canvas Hole Counts | 5-count, 7-count, 10-count, and 14-count with varying squares per square inch |
| Needle Type | Tapestry needle with a large eye and blunt, round tip |
| Threading Technique | Thread multiple strands for 5-count, single strand for other counts; use a paper clip to thread the needle easily |
| Stitch Types | Running stitch, continental stitch, backstitch, scotch stitch, straight stitch, French knot, overcast stitch, joining stitch, cross stitch, long stitch, whip stitch |
| Finishing Technique | Tie a knot on the back, weave in the tail, trim closely, add felt backing or a hanger |
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What You'll Learn
Basic stitches and materials
Plastic canvas is a grid structure formed by a series of holes and bars (gridlines). It comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and thicknesses, and there are four different hole counts. The 7-count plastic canvas is the most common and is available in a variety of colours, shapes, and thicknesses.
To stitch plastic canvas, you will need a needle, yarn or floss, and the canvas itself. The tapestry needle is the most commonly used for plastic canvas work, characterised by its large eye and blunt, round tip. The large eye allows you to thread multiple strands of yarn or floss. You will need a different size needle for each canvas count; the 5-count, for example, requires two strands of 4-ply worsted wool.
There are several basic stitches used in plastic canvas embroidery, including the running stitch, the continental stitch, the backstitch, the straight stitch, the French knot, the overcast stitch, the joining stitch, the cross-stitch, the half cross-stitch, and the scotch stitch. The continental stitch is a diagonal stitch over one intersection of the canvas, often used to make pictures or geometric designs. The backstitch is created by inserting the needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through odd-numbered holes. This stitch can be any length and go in any direction. The straight stitch is similar but can be worked in any direction. The French knot is created by bringing the threaded needle through the canvas, wrapping the floss around the needle, tightening the twists, and returning the needle to the same place. The overcast stitch is used to finish off the edges of the canvas, with the needle going in the same direction (back to front) for each stitch. The joining stitch is used to join two pieces of canvas after they have been cut. The half cross-stitch is used for the main areas of a design and is stitched in either rows or columns, with the needle brought up on odd numbers and down on even numbers. The scotch stitch is a series of angled stitches that form a square and is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas.
When you are finished stitching, tie a knot on the backside of the canvas and weave in the tail. To finish the edges, go up through the bottom of the first slot and pull through, then do the same for the very next slot. When you get to the corners, you will need to do three stitches to cover each side and the corner. Run the yarn through several of the stitches you have already made on the back, pull it taut, and trim closely.
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Finishing edges
When you're finishing the edges of your plastic canvas, it's important to ensure that there are no loose ends. One way to do this is by stitching through the slots on the canvas and pulling the yarn through. When you get to the corners, you will need to do three stitches to cover each side and the corner. Once you're done, run the yarn through the stitches you've already made on the back, pull it taut, and trim it closely.
Another way to finish the edges of your plastic canvas is by using the overcast stitch. This is done by bringing the needle up through the back of the canvas and then down through the top of the canvas in the next slot. Continue this process, always bringing the needle up through the back of the canvas and then down through the top. This will create a neat edge.
If you are joining two pieces of canvas, you can use the overcast stitch by bringing the needle up through one hole, over the border bar, and up through the next hole. Make sure the holes and edges are aligned before stitching.
Before you begin stitching, it is recommended to cover the edges of your plastic canvas with masking tape to avoid snags. Additionally, always cut your canvas between the bars, leaving one plastic bar between the stitches and the cutting line. This will ensure that you have enough plastic for overcasting the edges when finishing.
Finally, some projects may require additional finishing techniques, such as adding a felt backing to coasters or a hanger to a wall hanging or ornament. These techniques are simple and can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your plastic canvas creations.
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Different types of stitches
Plastic canvas stitching is a variation of traditional needlepoint that is used to create decorative 3D designs. It is easy, inexpensive, and versatile, with only a few basic stitches to learn. Before executing complicated patterns, it is important to master these fundamental stitches and familiarize yourself with the required materials.
One of the most basic stitches used in plastic canvas crafts is the half cross-stitch, which can be done in two directions. This stitch is the foundation for many other stitches and is excellent for creating neat, small stitches and adding colour to your plastic canvas. To execute this stitch, bring your yarn up through the bottom left corner and insert the needle into the box diagonally to the upper right. Then, bring the yarn back through the box below and insert it into the next upper-right-hand box. Continue to the end of the row, alternating directions with each new row.
Another stitch is the continental stitch, which is used to create horizontal rows of angled stitches. This stitch is often paired with the slanted gobelin (or slanted long stitch) to create a mosaic stitch pattern, forming little boxes that are great for adding texture and colourwork to your canvas.
The backstitch is another common stitch used in plastic canvas. This stitch may be of any length and go in any direction. It is created by inserting your needle up through the canvas at even-numbered holes and down through the canvas at odd-numbered holes.
To finish the edges of your plastic canvas, you can use either the lark's head knot or the overcast stitch. The lark's head knot creates a fringe edge, while the overcast stitch creates a clean edge. The Scotch stitch is another option for covering large areas of plastic canvas. It is a series of angled stitches that form a square.
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Choosing the right canvas
Plastic canvas is a grid structure formed by a series of holes and bars (gridlines). It comes in a variety of colours (clear or coloured), shapes (rectangular or pre-cut shapes), and thicknesses (soft, regular, or stiff). It also comes in four different hole counts, which refer to the number of squares per square inch:
- 5-count plastic canvas has 25 squares per square inch. This canvas is only available in a clear, rectangular sheet of regular thickness.
- 7-count plastic canvas has 49 squares per square inch. It is the most common plastic canvas. It is the only count available in a variety of colours, shapes, and all three thicknesses.
- 10-count plastic canvas has 100 squares per square inch. This count is available in a small selection of colours and is only available in a rectangular sheet of regular thickness.
- 14-count plastic canvas has 144 squares per square inch. This count is available in clear, black, and white.
The type of plastic canvas you choose will depend on the specific requirements of your project. For example, the 5-count canvas is only available in a rectangular sheet, whereas the 7-count canvas is available in a variety of shapes. The 14-count canvas is a good option if you want a finer grid structure, as it has the highest number of squares per square inch. However, it is only available in clear, black, and white.
In addition to choosing the right canvas, you will also need to select the appropriate needle and yarn or floss for your project. A different size needle and yarn are required for each plastic canvas count. For example, the 5-count plastic canvas requires a larger needle with an eye that can accommodate multiple strands of yarn or floss. It also requires 2 strands of 4-ply worsted wool. The 7-count, 10-count, and 14-count canvases only require a single strand of yarn or floss and a smaller needle.
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Needle and yarn selection
When it comes to needle and yarn selection for plastic canvas projects, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of needle and yarn you choose will depend on the count of the plastic canvas you are using. The canvas count refers to the number of squares per square inch, and it determines the size of the holes in the canvas.
For 5-count plastic canvas, which has the largest holes, a larger needle with a blunt, round tip, known as a tapestry needle, is recommended. This type of needle has a large eye that allows you to thread multiple strands of yarn or floss. For 5-count canvas, you will need to use two strands of 4-ply worsted wool or similar weight yarn.
As you move to higher counts of plastic canvas, such as 7-count or 10-count, the holes become smaller. This means you will need to use a smaller needle that can fit through the holes easily. A standard tapestry needle should still work for these counts, but you may need to choose a thinner option. In terms of yarn, a single strand of yarn or thread will be suitable for these canvas counts.
The 14-count plastic canvas has the smallest holes and will require the finest needle available. A standard tapestry needle may not fit through these holes, so a thinner option, such as a beading needle or a sharp embroidery needle, may be necessary. A fine yarn or thread should be used for this canvas count to ensure it fits through the small holes.
It is important to note that plastic canvas projects typically require a certain amount of tension in the stitches to create a neat and consistent finish. The type of yarn you select will impact the tension and the overall look of your project. Adjusting the tension can help you achieve different looks, from tight and structured to loose and relaxed. Experimenting with different weights of yarn and practising your stitching technique will help you find the right tension for your desired effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic canvas is a grid structure formed by a series of holes and bars. It comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and thicknesses.
There are three main types of stitches used in plastic canvas: the continental stitch, the backstitch, and the scotch stitch. Each stitch has a unique appearance and use. For example, the scotch stitch is a series of angled stitches that form a square and is used to cover large areas of plastic canvas.
You will need a plastic canvas, a needle, and yarn or thread. The type of needle and yarn will depend on the plastic canvas count. For example, the 5-count plastic canvas requires 2 strands of 4-ply worsted wool.
To start stitching, hold the end of the thread on the back of the canvas and catch the tail in the stitches as you stitch. You can also use a waste knot to keep tension on the thread while you begin.
When you're done stitching, simply tie a knot on the back side of your plastic canvas and weave in the tail. You can also finish the edges by going up through the bottom of your first slot and pulling through.
