How to Begin Stitching on Plastic Canvas (Plastic Canvas Stitches)

Plastic canvas work is a very diverse kind of needlework that allows the crafter to stitch both two-dimensional! and three-dimensional projects by using yarn to make functional and decorative stitches. 

In order to create these beautiful projects, it is important to know how to start yarn on the plastic canvas that will be used. After anchoring the yarn in a way that keeps the back of the project neat and tidy, the fun of stitching can begin.

To see the plastic canvas yarn stitches, take a look on our site.

This tutorial gives the basic instructions for how to start yarn when beginning any plastic canvas project.

To learn how to start yarn for plastic canvas projects, continue reading or watch the video tutorial below.

What Can You Make with Plastic Canvas?

Two-Dimensional Plastic Canvas Projects

There are many two-dimensional projects that can be made with plastic canvas.  A few of the projects include:

• bookmarks
• key chains
• coasters
•  ornaments
• door hangers
• and more

Three-Dimensional Plastic Canvas Projects

Besides making fun two-dimensional plastic canvas projects, wonderful three-dimensional projects can also be made such as:

• tissue boxes
• ornaments
• napkin rings
• holiday items
• totes
• and more

how to start yarn on plastic canvas

supplies needed to make plastic canvas projects

• Number 16 or 18 plastic canvas needle
• Plastic canvas
• Yarn

Instructions for beginning yarn on plastic canvas

step 1: thread the plastic canvas needle

To start a row of plastic canvas stitching or to start a new yarn, begin by threading the yarn through the eye of the plastic canvas needle. Because the yarn is much thicker than thread, it is often difficult to get the needle threaded without fraying the end of the yarn. If there is any difficulty threading the yarn into the plastic canvas needle, watch the quick tip video for an easy needle threading technique.

step 2: Begin the first stitch

With the threaded needle, come up from the back of the plastic canvas. For this tutorial, the continental stitch will be used, but this technique works for any plastic canvas stitch. Leave a tail an inch to two inches long when beginning the first stitch.

step 3: cover the tail in the back of the plastic canvas with the first stitch

Hold the tail that is in the back of the plastic canvas in the direction that the stitches will be sewn.

Make the first stitch holding the tail to the back.

step 4: continue to anchor the yarn

As the stitcher works the plastic canvas stitches, anchor the tail of the yarn in place on the back of the plastic canvas by stitching over the tail that has been left on the back.

Continue sewing the plastic canvas stitches, making sure to always stitch over the tail that is on the back of the project.

Continue stitching enclosing the tail in the stitches as you go.

This technique prevents knots on the back of the plastic canvas. And the back will have a neat and tidy professional appearance.

Below is an example of the back of the plastic canvas with the yarn tail completely covered with stitches.

How to begin a new yarn color or add embellishments

Sometimes it will be necessary to fill in an unstitched area with a new yarn color. Follow these instructions to begin a new yarn color or to begin a new piece of yarn of the same color.

step 1:  flip the canvas to the back 

Thread a piece of yarn into the eye of the needle.

When ready to begin a new piece of yarn, flip to the back of the plastic canvas project.

Step 2:  sew through completed stitches

In order to anchor the new piece of yarn in the plastic canvas, begin working on the back of the plastic canvas.

Run the threaded needle through several completed stitches on the back of the plastic canvas close to where the new stitching will begin.  This will anchor the yarn without the need for a knot, which would make the back of the project messy.

Now begin the stitches of the new color, new yarn of the same color or the embellishment. Bring the yarn from the back to the front of the plastic canvas where you want to begin the first stitch.

Make a stitch.

Continue stitching until the area is filled in.

In order to end the yarn on plastic canvas, the steps are very similar.

I hope that you enjoyed learning how to start yarn at the beginning of a plastic canvas project.  Easy peasy!

Helpful Plastic Canvas Pages

• Free Plastic Canvas Projects Page
• Plastic Canvas Tips and Hints
• Lazy Daisy Stitch on Plastic Canvas