Instructions for Plastic Canvas

Plastic canvas requires thick yarn.

Using a variety of stitches, create designs and patterns on plastic canvas. Plastic canvas is versatile and can be used by those of any age because it uses no knots, thick yarn and a wider, blunt needle. The canvas is composed of a grid pattern, consisting of the solid bar parts and the square holes that the stitches go through. Patterns will tell you how big the canvas needs to be, what stitches to use and step-by-step directions for that specific pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Scissors
• Plastic canvas needle
• Pattern

Instructions

Practicing Stitches

1. Start by practicing the continental or tent stitch, which is the most common stitch for plastic canvas. This stitch takes the yarn up and through a hole and then down over where two bars cross, through a hole in a row that's diagonally above or below the first stitch. Work these in horizontal rows, working from left to right and then right to left at the next row.

2. Use the cross stitch by bringing the piece of yarn up and through a hole. Cross the stitch diagonally over where the bars cross and down through a hole. Then bring the yarn under the bar and through a hole directly above the second hole. Then cross the stitch again diagonally over the first stitch to form an X shape.

3. Use the long stitch by going over at least two bars before bringing the yarn through. Pull the yarn over the bars, and through a hole. Then, bring the yarn back down and to the left or right of the first stitch so it parallels the first stitch and back up so it parallels the top of the stitch.

4. Practice the back stitch, which can be used for curves or intricate designs. Bring the yarn under a bar, bring it over the same bar and pull the stitch through the hole to form a loop. Pull it under the next bar and over to pull another stitch through the next hole.

5. Take two pieces of plastic canvas and place them together so they form a right-angle shape. Use a whip stitch like you would a continental stitch to attach the two pieces together. To make the stitch tighter, bring the yarn through the holes two or three times.

Following the Pattern

1. Cut out a piece of plastic canvas that coincides with the pattern you want to create. If the pattern asks for a piece of canvas that is 20 holes wide by 20 holes long, cut out a piece that is 20 by 20. Each pattern will tell you what size canvas you need (usually 7-count), the size of yarn you need and how big the needle should be.

2. Cut a long piece of yarn. Take your tapestry needle and thread the yarn through the eye of the needle.

3. Start weaving through the plastic canvas. Don't knot the yarn behind the canvas, just hold an inch or two in place on the back of the canvas. While working, stitch over the tail ends of the yarn to hold it in place.

4. Follow the pattern and cut extra canvas from the design once you're done.

References

• Beadie Friends: Plastic Canvas
• Craft Designs for You Learn How to Stitch Plastic Canvas with this Simple Smiley Face Pattern!