Alexei Volkov
Plastic canvas needlepoint is a fun and useful craft that allows you to create a variety of decorative and 3D items. While there are no fixed rules on the right yarn for plastic canvas, certain types of yarn are better suited for specific projects. The type of yarn you choose depends on the plastic canvas count and the stitch pattern you plan to use. For example, a single strand of 4-ply knitting worsted-weight acrylic yarn works well on 7-mesh plastic canvas for tent stitches, while 10-count plastic canvas, which is smaller, can be stitched with 3-ply sport weight yarns. In addition to yarn type and canvas count, the stitch pattern you choose will also influence your yarn choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Yarn Type | Worsted-weight yarn, knitting yarn, Persian yarn, embroidery floss, Perle cotton, raffia, jute, ribbon, metallics, nylon, herculon, polyester |
| Yarn Ply | 3-ply, 4-ply |
| Yarn Strand Count | Single, double, triple |
| Canvas Count | 5-count, 7-count, 10-count, 14-count |
| Canvas Thickness | Regular, soft, stiff |
| Stitch Type | Tent stitches, slanting stitches, straight stitches, Gobelin stitch, Overcast stitch/Whipstitch, Continental stitch |
| Brand Recommendations | Red Heart, DMC, Needloft, J&P Coats, Coats and Clark |
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What You'll Learn
- For 7-mesh plastic canvas, use a single strand of 4-ply knitting worsted-weight yarn
- For 10-mesh canvas, use sports-weight knitting yarn or two plies of Persian
- For 5-count plastic canvas, use two strands of 4-ply worsted weight yarn
- For straight stitches, use double strands of medium-weight yarn
- Experiment with raffia, jute, ribbon, and metallics
For 7-mesh plastic canvas, use a single strand of 4-ply knitting worsted-weight yarn
While there are no rules on the "right" yarn for plastic canvas, and experimentation is encouraged, there are some guidelines that can help you choose the best yarn for your project. The type of yarn you use will depend on the mesh count of your plastic canvas, the type of stitches you will be using, and the desired look of your project.
For 7-mesh plastic canvas, a single strand of 4-ply knitting worsted-weight yarn is recommended for tent stitches (half-cross, continental, and basketweave) and many slanting pattern stitches. Worsted-weight yarn is considered an all-purpose yarn and is the most popular weight for knitting and crochet. It typically produces a firm yet pliable fabric when used with a 4.5 to 5.5 mm (US 7-9) needle.
When working with 7-mesh plastic canvas, using a single strand of worsted-weight yarn will give you the best results for tent stitches and slanting pattern stitches. However, if you are using Bargello or other straight stitches, it is recommended to use double strands of worsted-weight yarn or extra plies of Persian-type yarn.
In addition to the type of stitches, the desired look of your project can also influence your yarn choice. For example, if you want to achieve an open and airy look, you might choose Perle cotton or embroidery floss for your 7-mesh plastic canvas. On the other hand, if you want to add texture and uniqueness to your designs, you can use materials other than yarn, such as thread, cotton floss, baby yarns, or even seed beads, especially when working with smaller count canvases.
Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can always experiment with different types of yarn and stitches to create unique and enjoyable needlepoint projects on your 7-mesh plastic canvas.
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For 10-mesh canvas, use sports-weight knitting yarn or two plies of Persian
While there are no strict rules on the 'right' yarn for plastic canvas, certain types of yarn are more suitable for specific projects. For 10-mesh canvas, sports-weight knitting yarn or two plies of Persian yarn are recommended for slanting stitches. For Bargello, three or four plies of Persian yarn are suggested.
When working with 10-mesh canvas, the type of stitch you use will influence your yarn choice. For example, for stitches where several stitches are made in the same hole, or where the yarn criss-crosses several times, a finer yarn or fewer plies of Persian yarn are more suitable.
Additionally, for 10-mesh canvas, you can use 3-ply sport weight yarns like the Red Heart brand by Coats and Clark. DMC's #3 Perle Cotton is another option, and you can even use 12-plies of DMC Floss, which offers a wide range of colours to brighten up your project.
It's important to note that while these are recommended yarn types and sizes for 10-mesh canvas, you can also experiment with different yarns and stitches to find the combination that suits your specific project and creative vision.
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For 5-count plastic canvas, use two strands of 4-ply worsted weight yarn
When it comes to choosing the right yarn for your plastic canvas project, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand that the size of the canvas, or the "count", refers to the number of holes or stitches per inch. A 5-count plastic canvas has fewer stitches and larger holes compared to a 7-count or 10-count canvas.
For a 5-count plastic canvas, it is recommended to use two strands of 4-ply worsted weight yarn. The 4-ply yarn refers to four strands of yarn twisted together to form a single strand, which adds strength to the yarn. By using two strands of this yarn, you can ensure that the larger holes of the 5-count canvas are adequately covered. This combination of yarn and canvas size is perfect for creating neat and secure stitches.
It's worth noting that you can also use a thicker yarn, labelled as "bulky" or "chunky", with a 5-count canvas. This option allows you to stitch with just one strand of yarn, providing a different aesthetic to your project. The benefit of using thicker yarn is that you can create a project with a more substantial and textured appearance.
Additionally, the type of stitch you choose can influence your yarn selection. For example, straight vertical or horizontal stitches often require heavier yarns or double strands of medium-weight yarn. On the other hand, certain stitch patterns, such as those with multiple stitches in the same hole or complex crisscrossing, may be better suited for finer yarns or fewer plies of yarn.
Remember, while these are recommendations, there are no rigid rules when it comes to choosing yarn for your plastic canvas project. Feel free to experiment with different yarn types, colours, and textures to find the combination that suits your unique creation.
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For straight stitches, use double strands of medium-weight yarn
While there are no fixed rules on the 'right' yarn for plastic canvas, certain types of yarn are better suited to specific stitches. For straight stitches, such as Bargello, it is recommended to use double strands of medium-weight yarn. This type of stitch is best suited to 7-mesh plastic canvas.
When creating straight stitches, using a double strand of medium-weight yarn will provide better coverage of the plastic canvas grid. This is because straight stitches tend to require heavier yarns. Using a double strand of medium-weight yarn will give your project a fuller appearance and ensure that the plastic canvas is not visible through the stitches.
The recommended yarn for straight stitches is a 4-ply knitting worsted-weight yarn. This type of yarn is commonly available in 3 to 3.5-ounce skeins, which is ideal if you need a large amount for a bigger project. However, if you only need small amounts of specific colours, it may be more cost-effective to consider other options.
You can also experiment with different materials to create unique and interesting effects. For example, you could try using raffia, jute, ribbon, or metallic strands instead of traditional yarn. These alternatives can add texture and visual appeal to your plastic canvas creations. Remember, needlepoint should be fun, so don't be afraid to step outside the box and let your creativity shine!
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Experiment with raffia, jute, ribbon, and metallics
There are no rules when it comes to the "right" yarn for plastic canvas. While some yarns work better than others, you can experiment with different materials and use whatever suits you.
Raffia, derived from the raffia palm tree, is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic ribbons and synthetic ties. It is lightweight, durable, and flexible, making it ideal for crafting and decorative projects. Raffia is available in natural and metallic varieties, the latter adding a refined touch to your creations. You can also find paper and synthetic raffia, which is water-resistant and highly resilient. When using raffia for plastic canvas, you can incorporate it into your designs in its natural form or opt for dyed raffia, which offers a spectrum of vibrant colours.
Jute is another natural fibre that can be used for plastic canvas creations. It is a strong and durable material that adds a rustic and organic touch to your projects. Jute has a similar look and feel to raffia, and both materials are commonly used in home decor items such as baskets, rugs, and wall art.
Ribbon, on the other hand, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your plastic canvas creations. You can experiment with different types of ribbon, including natural fibres like cotton or silk, or synthetic options like polyester or nylon.
Metallic yarns and threads can also be used to create unique and eye-catching designs. They add a touch of shimmer and glamour to your plastic canvas projects, making them perfect for festive or special occasions. You can find metallic yarns in a variety of colours and thicknesses, allowing you to create different textures and effects in your work.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single "right" yarn for plastic canvas, but some work better than others. For instance, for tent stitches, a single strand of 4-ply knitting worsted-weight acrylic yarn works well on 7-mesh plastic canvas.
10-count plastic canvas can be stitched with 3-ply sport weight yarns like Red Heart brand by Coats and Clark. You can also use DMC's #3 Perle Cotton or 12-plies of DMC Floss.
For 7-count plastic canvas, you can use regular 4-ply worsted weight yarn. You can also use Needloft yarn by Uniek or Plastic Canvas yarn by J&P Coats.
5-count plastic canvas, which is the largest count, can be stitched with two strands of 4-ply worsted weight yarn. You can also use thicker yarns like "Grande" by Red Heart as a single strand.
You can buy yarn for plastic canvas at craft stores, needlework shops, or online. Some specific brands that sell plastic canvas yarn include Red Heart, Uniek, and J&P Coats. You can also check garage sales for bargains on yarn.
