How to Needlepoint the Continental Stitch on Plastic Canvas

The continental or tent stitch is the most used filler stitch in plastic-canvas needlepoint. It works well to fill in large and small items, giving a smooth, finished look to the surface. The stitch takes a little extra time to complete, but leaves a smooth, even, patterned surface that is uniform and nearly perfect. It is important to do the continental stitch in the correct direction and order. Once you master the first few rows, you will be on your way to many plastic-canvas projects to be proud of.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large-eye needle
• Yarn
• Kit or project

1. 
    

   Row 1: Enter through the bottom hole (A) to the left, from the back side of the canvas, and pull the yarn through to the front.

2. Move your needle up to the next row and over to the right. Insert it down through the hole B for a diagonal stitch. Push the needle down through the canvas at B.

3. Insert the needle from back to front in the adjoining hole C next to stitch A. Pull the yarn through.

4. Insert the needle into hole D from the front. Continue down the entire row, making these diagonal stitches.

5. 
    

   Row 2: When you reach the end of the row, turn or rotate your plastic canvas piece around, front-side up. Insert the needle from the back into hole G.Bring the yarn through to the front.

6. Bring the needle and yarn up diagonally and into the H hole, which is also the former F hole. Continue in the same fashion in through the left, up one row, over one hole to the right and down through the diagonal stitch. When Row 2 is done, rotate the piece yet again and stitch Row 3 under the row number 1 that you stitched. When you're finished with a color or the continental pattern, run the needle through a few stitches on the back side to secure and cut the yarn.

Tips & Warnings

• Always stitch in the same diagonal direction.
• If you do not keep to a left-to-right diagonal pattern, the piece will be messy-looking and lumpy.