How to Work With Plastic Canvas

Cross stitch designs can be easily created using plastic canvas.

Plastic canvas is often used in cross stitching because the material has holes in it where the needle can go through. The thickness of the plastic canvas and the size of the holes can vary, but it can be easier to use than cloth when creating designs. It is useful when crafting with children because it is sturdy and does not require the use of other tools, such as an embroidery loop, unless the canvas is particularly thin or the use of one is desired.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic canvas
• Cross stitch or needlepoint needle
• Scissors
• Embroidery thread
• Embroidery loop

Instructions

1. Thread your needle with the color of embroidery floss you are beginning your project with. There are many cross stitching patterns available at local craft stores. Bring your floss through the hole from back to front of the canvas, leaving approximately 1/2 inch of the tail in the back.

2. Stitch the floss through the canvas from the front side to create the next stitch. Continue until you have finished your row. The tail in the back should be under these stitches to keep it secured in place, so check it after each stitch to make sure this is happening.

3. Finish your row with the color you are using by flipping the canvas over and placing your needle under a few of the stitches on the back. Pull the floss through and cut off the end.

4. Thread your needle with the next color in the pattern and continue in the same manner until you have completed the pattern.

5. Complete the project by filling in the background with a soft color or leave the canvas showing.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to keep your floss untangled by checking it every so often to make sure that it is smooth. Plastic canvas comes in a variety of sizes and colors so choose a canvas that goes well with the colors and pattern that you will be using.

References

• AOK Corral: Plastic Canvas Craft - How to Instructions
• Patterns Patch: How to Cross Stitch on Plastic Canvas