Plastic Canvas Tips

One of the first crafts I can remember doing with my Nannie and Mom is plastic canvas.  I will never forget the birthday I got a big plastic bin filled with plastic canvas, yarn, needles, scissors, and a Looney Tunes Pattern book.  Pepe Le Pew was my Nannie's favorite character so I decided my first project would be the Pepe Le Pew magnet to give to her as a gift.  I was lucky enough to have my Mom and Nannie to explain some of the basics before I embarked on my little project.  I thought I would share some of this insight.

Plastic canvas is a great low cost craft that is simple enough for children to play with but diverse enough to create beautiful adult projects as well.  First things first... selecting your supplies:

Plastic Canvas comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

• Shapes: The standard canvas shape is a rectangle, slightly larger than a sheet of paper.  Larger sheets are available and these are great for items like place mats.  You can also purchase pre-cut shapes  like squares and crosses that make certain projects easier.  In addition to these there are also shapes like circles, stars, and hearts that have the holes specially placed to maintain the shape but allow for stitching.
• Sizes: While there are different size sheets there is also different size meshes.  The rule of thumb is the mesh number is the number of wholes per inch.  For example 7 mesh, the most common mesh, has 7 holes per inch.  Moving to a smaller mess number can help accommodate thicker yarn/thread.  A larger mess number is a great way to fit a larger pattern into a smaller space.  For instance, if I have a wall hanging pattern (7 mesh) and I want to fit it onto a smaller sized tissue box cover I can transfer the larger pattern to lets say a 10 mesh.  
• Colors: Most projects are completed on clear canvas, that way if some shows through between stitches it is discreet.  If your project is predominantly one color or, you want to leave some of the canvas showing you can purchase colored canvas in almost any hue imaginable.  

Needle Selection

Mesh 7, Needle 16

• You want to select a tapestry needle for plastic canvas projects.  These needles have more of a rounded edge in comparison with sewing needles and will help prevent pricked fingers.  These needles also come in plastic versions which are a great alternative for little crafters to use as they learn.
• The size needle you buy will correspond with the canvas you are using.  Mesh 5 and mesh 7 typically use a size 16.  Mesh 10 typically uses a size 20. (The higher the needle size the thinner the needle and the smaller the threading hole).  

Getting Started

• "Measure Twice Cut Once": While this phrase is most often used by carpenters it applies to use crafters as well.  Carefully count out the stitches in the pattern and then count the corresponding holes on the canvas.  Always double check before cutting the canvas.  Some people use grease pencils to make the pattern before cutting.  I sometimes use crochet stitch markers for my projects if it is going to be a complicated cut.  You can wait until the pattern is complete before cutting but holding the extra canvas can be burdensome.
• "Dangle to Detangle":  The yarn can at times tangle and knot while stitching.  One way to avoid this problem is to allow the needle to dangle once and a while which will unwind the yarn avoiding the pending tangled mess.
• Nothing wrong with being Scrappy: Scraps are your friend when it comes to plastic canvas.  Plastic canvas projects are a great way to use of scrap yarn from crochet or knit projects.  I keep a pencil case for yarn scraps so nothing goes to waste.  Also, when you complete a plastic canvas project hold on to the left over canvas scraps as well.  They may not have been of use for your current project but those scraps can be used for smaller projects and to add 3D detailing.  No piece is too tiny as even two whole scraps found be joined to form unique jewelry or barbie accessories.