All About About Plastic Canvas

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My Introduction to Plastic Canvas

My first introduction to plastic canvas crafts was through my grandmother. She was an avid crafter, and a few years ago I was suddenly hit with a vivid memory of playing with what I remembered as a needlepoint dollhouse at her house when I was growing up. I loved that little dollhouse so much. Sadly, my grandmother passed away when I was a teenager, so I couldn’t ask her about it.

I took to the internet and was absolutely blown away when I found the original plastic canvas pattern on eBay. I purchased it in a heartbeat and set out to recreate the dollhouse as a Christmas present for my niece. I documented the journey online, and to my surprise, the dollhouse became so popular that I ended up working with the publisher to make the pattern available again through their website.

Since then, I’ve completely fallen in love with plastic canvas projects. It’s a fun and easy medium to work with, and I adore the retro vibes and nostalgia it carries. Below, I’ve included a quick introduction to the craft, along with some favorite tools, tips, and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

Introduction: What is Plastic Canvas?

I like to think of plastic canvas as a type of 3D needlepoint, but instead of stitching on a fabric mesh, you work on (you guessed it) plastic canvas. Like needlepoint, you can use a wide variety of decorative stitches (sky’s the limit!), though continental stitches are the most common.

Plastic canvas crafts really hit their stride in the 1970s and 80s, when crafters used them for everything from Barbie furniture to tissue box covers and even purses. While its 3D nature can look a little intimidating at first, it’s surprisingly straightforward and simple to get started with, especially for anyone looking for beginner plastic canvas projects.

Tools and Materials

Plastic canvas usually comes in sheets, most commonly in size 7 and 10 mesh. I love working with 7 mesh as it pairs perfectly with worsted weight yarn and a size 16 or 18 tapestry needle

(depending on personal preference). For 10 mesh, you can experiment with lighter-weight yarns, embroidery floss, or even pearl cotton. The needle size will vary depending on the thread, but I usually reach for a size 22 tapestry needle when working on 10 mesh plastic canvas.

Other essentials: scissors for both thread and canvas. I recommend keeping a dedicated pair for cutting plastic since it will dull blades over time. If you’ll be cutting a lot, invest in a good pair of spring-loaded scissors, they’ll save wear and tear on your wrists and fingers.

For intricate cuts, scissors might feel too bulky. In those cases, I like using cuticle nippers or small flush-cut pliers to get into the details.

Here’s a list of some of my tried-and-true plastic canvas supplies. For even more recommendations, you can check out my Amazon storefront.

• 7 Mesh Plastic Canvas

• 10 Mesh Plastic Canvas

• Size 16 Tapestry Needles

• Size 18 - 22 Tapestry Needles

• Spring Loaded Scissors

• Cuticle Trimmer

• Flush-Cut Pliers

• Plastic Canvas Hole Counter

Tips and Tricks

When working with plastic canvas, it’s almost always best to cut first and stitch second. That way, you don’t risk snipping into finished stitches and having to redo your work.

I like to use a whiteboard marker to outline shapes on the canvas before cutting. Once the pieces are cut, you can either leave the markings (they’ll usually be covered by stitches) or wipe them away with rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover. (Acetone can cause the plastic to degrade, so steer clear of that!)

When it comes to cutting, you’ll quickly realize it’s all about counting. Knowing exactly how many holes wide or tall your piece needs to be makes all the difference. Instead of squinting and counting each hole one by one, a plastic canvas hole counter is a total game changer - it makes measuring faster, easier, and way more accurate.

Pro tip: Always double-check your counts before cutting. A small miscount can save you a lot of frustration down the line!

Where to Find Patterns

Ready to start your first plastic canvas project? There are plenty of options! If you’d like an all-in-one plastic canvas kit (which usually includes the plastic, yarn, and pattern), I recommend checking out Mary Maxim or Herrschners. If you prefer sourcing your own materials, I’ve had great luck with patterns from Annie’s Attic.

For out-of-print or vintage designs, eBay is my go-to. Just be cautious with secondhand digital downloads, as those often violate copyright laws.

Project Inspiration

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve shared a lot of my plastic canvas projects online, including videos with tips, tricks, and step-by-step tutorials. You can even watch my full plastic canvas dollhouse series start to finish below.

If you’ve been on the fence about trying plastic canvas crafts, I hope this inspires you to give it a go. And if you have questions about plastic canvas patterns, projects, or supplies, drop them below, I’d love to help!

With love and creativity,

Jacquie

Atom Heart Cross Stitch