
Plastic canvas, also known as vinyl weave, is a type of lightweight plastic with regularly spaced holes that is used for embroidery and other craft projects. It is commonly used for needlepoint and other canvas work embroidery, typically in acrylic or wool knitting yarn. The stiffness of the plastic canvas ensures that stitches remain intact and do not fray, making it ideal for creating three-dimensional objects such as tissue box covers, handbags, and decorative items. Plastic canvas is available in various colours and sizes, with different hole shapes and counts to accommodate different yarn thicknesses. While it is a convenient material for crafting, plastic canvas is not recyclable, which may be a concern for some users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of plastic | Perforated plastic |
| Other names | Vinyl weave, mesh plastic |
| Hole shape | Circular, square |
| Colours | White, clear, and a variety of others |
| Uses | Cross-stitch, needlepoint, canvas work embroidery, 3D art |
| Common producers | Darice, Zehrco-Giancola |
| Rigidity | Stiff, ultra-stiff |
| Stitch techniques | Straight stitch, running stitch, French knot, overcast and joining stitch |
| Additional techniques | Adding felt backing, adding a hanger |
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What You'll Learn

Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic with regularly spaced holes
Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic material with regularly spaced holes. It is a craft material used as a foundation for embroidery or other canvas work. It is also known as vinyl weave or perforated plastic. The holes in the plastic canvas can be circular or square-shaped, and they are spaced evenly to create a full-coverage look when used for cross-stitch or other stitching techniques. The plastic canvas is stiff and holds its shape, making it suitable for creating three-dimensional objects such as tissue box covers, jewellery boxes, handbags, and decorative items. It is also commonly used for cross-stitch projects, as it ensures that the stitches lie correctly and do not skew the project.
The plastic canvas is available in different counts, which refer to the number of holes per linear inch. Common sizes include 5-count, 7-count, 10-count, and 14-count. The count of the plastic canvas determines the thickness of the yarn or embroidery floss that can be used. For example, embroidery floss is too thin for 5-count plastic canvas, and yarn is recommended instead. The plastic canvas is typically sold in A4-size sheets, but it can also be found in pre-made shapes such as circles, triangles, and novelty shapes.
When working with plastic canvas, it is important to consider the limitations of the material. For example, certain types of stitches, such as the pin stitch, may not be possible due to the lack of fabric fibres to weave the tail between. Additionally, the plastic canvas may require additional finishing techniques, such as adding a felt backing or a hanger, depending on the project.
Plastic canvas is a durable and versatile material for crafters and needleworkers. Its stiffness and regular hole spacing make it ideal for creating a variety of projects, from decorative objects to functional items like tote bags and coasters. While it has some limitations in terms of stitch options, it offers a unique medium for creating three-dimensional art without the need for a sewing machine.
Overall, plastic canvas is a lightweight and rigid plastic material with evenly spaced holes, making it a popular choice for embroidery, cross-stitch, and other creative projects. Its durability and ease of use contribute to its popularity among craft enthusiasts.
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It is used for needlepoint and embroidery
Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic material with regularly spaced holes, imitating embroidery canvas. It is commonly used as a foundation for needlepoint and other canvas embroidery work. Its rigidity makes it ideal for creating three-dimensional objects such as tissue box covers, jewellery boxes, handbags, and decorative items. It is also known as vinyl weave or mesh plastic.
Needlepoint plastic canvas typically features small squares and comes in various counts, which refer to the number of holes per linear inch. Common sizes include 5, 7, 10, and 14 count. The choice of size depends on the thickness of the yarn or embroidery floss used. For example, needlepoint yarn typically requires a higher count, such as 10 or 12, while embroidery floss may be too thin for plastic canvas with large holes.
When using plastic canvas for needlepoint or embroidery, specific stitches are employed. The straight stitch, for instance, is created by passing the needle up through the canvas and down to the back, with the stitch worked in any direction and length. The running stitch involves passing the needle over the yarn stitches on the right side and under the back side of the canvas, creating an even line. The French knot is formed by wrapping the floss around the needle and then returning the needle through the canvas at the same spot.
Additionally, the overcast and joining stitch are useful for finishing edges or joining two pieces of canvas. This stitch alternates between going through the hole and over the border bar. Plastic canvas projects may also require additional techniques, such as adding a felt backing to coasters or a hanger to a wall hanging.
Plastic canvas is a versatile material for needlepoint and embroidery, allowing for the creation of functional and decorative items. Its stiffness and durability enable the crafting of unique three-dimensional objects that hold their shape well.
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It is stiff, durable and holds its shape
Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic craft material with regularly spaced holes, imitating embroidery canvas. It is stiff, durable, and holds its shape, making it ideal for creating 3D objects and stand-alone works of art. Its rigidity allows for the creation of tissue box covers, jewellery boxes, handbags, and other decorative items. Unlike cloth, plastic canvas will not fray, ensuring that your projects maintain their shape and structure over time.
The stiffness of plastic canvas provides a stable base for needlework and embroidery projects. It ensures that stitches remain taut and do not skew or distort the underlying structure. This property is especially advantageous for cross-stitch projects, where maintaining square shapes is crucial. The stiffness of plastic canvas also enables the creation of three-dimensional objects that hold their form without requiring a sewing machine.
Plastic canvas is available in various forms, including perforated plastic canvas and needlepoint plastic canvas. Perforated plastic canvas features circular holes that prevent thread snagging and facilitate full coverage of the canvas with embroidery floss. It offers a range of stiffness options and can be customised into various shapes, such as circles, purses, and wallets.
Needlepoint plastic canvas, on the other hand, typically features small square holes and is commonly available in 5, 7, and 10 counts. While it provides a firm surface for needlework, it is not as stiff as cross-stitch plastic canvas. This type of plastic canvas is suitable for projects that require a more flexible yet sturdy base.
The durability and shape retention of plastic canvas make it a versatile material for crafting functional and decorative items. Its ability to hold its shape ensures that projects maintain their structural integrity, even with frequent use. Plastic canvas is a lightweight and mouldable material that can be easily cut and joined to create a variety of objects, from greeting cards to handbags.
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It comes in different counts, with holes of different shapes and sizes
Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic craft material with regularly spaced holes, which is used to create embroidery and other canvas work. It is also known as vinyl weave or mesh plastic. The holes in the plastic canvas are usually in the shape of squares or circles, and they can be of different sizes, described as the "count". The count refers to the number of holes per linear inch, with typical sizes being 5, 7, 10, and 14-count. A higher count indicates more holes per inch, resulting in a finer canvas. The 14-count plastic canvas is ultra-stiff and is commonly used for cross-stitch projects.
The plastic canvas is a popular choice for crafters as it is stiff and holds its shape, making it suitable for creating three-dimensional objects such as tissue box covers, jewellery boxes, handbags, and decorative items. Its rigidity ensures that the stitches remain straight and do not distort the project. Additionally, the plastic canvas is durable and does not fray, making it ideal for items that will be used frequently, such as tote bags, coasters, and purses.
The size of the needle and the number of threads used for stitching depend on the count of the plastic canvas. For example, a 14-count canvas typically requires a size 24 tapestry needle with 4 threads, while a 10-count canvas uses a size 22 needle with 6 threads. It is important to separate the threads one at a time to prevent tangling and knotting. Embroidery floss is suitable for higher counts, while yarn is recommended for lower counts like the 5-count plastic canvas.
The plastic canvas is available in various colours and can be purchased in sheets or pre-cut shapes such as circles, triangles, and novelty shapes. Crafters can also find perforated plastic canvas, which offers a wide range of stiffness options and allows for custom shapes like purses and wallets. When working with plastic canvas, it is essential to plan the project carefully, marking the canvas and laying out the motifs before stitching. Techniques like the overcast and joining stitch are used to finish edges or join multiple pieces of canvas.
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It is used to make 3D objects like tissue boxes, handbags and coasters
Plastic canvas is a lightweight plastic material with regularly spaced holes, imitating embroidery canvas. It is commonly used for needlepoint or other canvas work embroidery, usually with acrylic or wool knitting yarn. Its rigidity makes it ideal for creating 3D objects like tissue box covers, handbags, and coasters.
Plastic canvas is available in various colours and hole sizes to accommodate different yarn thicknesses. The standard sizes are 5-, 7-, 10-, and 14-count, indicating the number of holes per linear inch. It is typically found in A4 sheets, but also comes in pre-made shapes like circles, triangles, and novelty shapes.
Crafters can create 3D objects using plastic canvas by cutting and assembling pieces to form the desired structure. For example, a tissue box can be made by cutting and joining multiple pieces of plastic canvas to create the box shape, and then stitching or assembling the pieces together. The durability of plastic canvas ensures that the final product is sturdy and long-lasting.
To add an artistic touch, crafters can use the cross-stitch technique, which involves stitching patterns or designs onto the plastic canvas. This is made possible by the perforated nature of the canvas, allowing for various decorative stitches. The stiffness of the plastic canvas ensures that the stitches remain intact and do not distort the final product.
Plastic canvas is a versatile material that enables both functionality and creativity in crafting 3D objects. With its durability and ease of use, it is a popular choice for those looking to create unique and personalised items like tissue boxes, handbags, and coasters.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic canvas is a craft material made of lightweight plastic with regularly spaced holes, imitating embroidery canvas.
All plastic canvas uses non-recycled and non-recyclable plastics.
Plastic canvas is typically used as a foundation for needlepoint or other canvas work embroidery, usually in acrylic or wool knitting yarn.
There are a few different types of plastic canvas, including perforated plastic canvas, needlepoint plastic canvas, and cross-stitch plastic canvas.
You can buy plastic canvas from craft stores or online retailers such as Herrschners.com.











































