![]() I recommend cutting after you stitch to help avoid snagging your thread. One bar outside of cross stitch on perforated plasticĬut on the holes, leaving the bars fully intact. Cut as close to the bar as possible to be sure there are no tiny bumps left to catch your thread. If that part of the pattern connects with another piece, it’s that outer bar that will create the joint. Cut that last bar and the stitches will fall off the canvas. Remember to leave one bar on the outside of all of the stitches. The bars are what hold the stitches together. If you cut it too small, you will have to stitch that piece all over again. If you find while you’re stitching that your piece of perforated plastic is too big, you can always cut it smaller. If you cut first, mark the plastic with a sharpie marker (which won’t rub off on your floss after it dries) and check carefully before cutting. That way you keep one bar on the outside of all the stitches. And leave at least 2 bars between pieces stitched on the same sheet of plastic canvas or perforated plastic. If you stitch first, remember not to drag the thread in the back across where you have to cut later. You can cut the plastic before or after you stitch. Threads fray less as you stitch since they are smooth and not twisted.Ĭlick here for a quick cheat video to separating embroidery floss threads without getting them tangled.ĬOUNT TWICE! Cut once. □ Count the bars, not the holes or stitches.Helps to prevent twisting and knotting making it easier to stitch.Floss covers better because the threads lay more flat.Separating all of the threads has several benefits: I do this for every cross stitch project, but especially with projects stitched on plastic canvas and perforated plastic. When separating threads, make sure to separate them one at a time. Prepping the Floss for Cross Stitching with Plastic For 5 ct plastic canvas, embroidery floss ain’t gonna cut it! It’s too thin and you really should use yarn. I have used 8 threads for 7 count – this is only recommended for advanced stitchers since threading 8 fibers into a single needle-eye is an entire challenge by itself. I use a size 24 tapestry needle with 4 threads for 14ct, a size 22 tapestry needle and 6 threads for 10ct perforated plastic. The canvas will not give like cloth and you will need the smaller needle to get through the holes, especially when burying floss tails for finishing. Years of experience have taught me some important tips about using plastic canvas for cross stitch projects. Working with Plastic Canvas for Cross Stitch While most of the canvas will be covered in embroidery floss, small parts might show through – especially at the corners and joints. ![]() Choose a color of perforated plastic that is complementary to your overall project. White and clear are the easiest to find where I live in sunny Florida. Plastic canvas and perforated plastic come in many different colors. Plus, the circularly shaped holes won’t snag your floss as you pull it through.ĭon’t worry – if all you can find is plastic canvas with square holes, you can still make beautiful 3D fiber art. This type of plastic canvas has circular holes, which helps to create a full-coverage look when using it for cross stitch. The kind of plastic canvas you need for cross stitch is called perforated plastic. Because the holes in plastic canvas are square, using it for cross stitch can leave little holes in between the X’s.Ĭlose-Up of Perforated Plastic versus Plastic Canvas While this mesh plastic is perfect for needlepoint, a different kind of embroidery, it is not ideal for cross stitch. I also use 14ct because it’s fun to make tiny things! This method of sizing is similar to aida cloth, which is based on the number of fabric squares per inch. Common sizes of plastic canvas are 5 count, 7 count and 10 count. The “count” of the plastic canvas indicates how many square holes per inch. Plastic canvas for needlepoint is also known as mesh plastic. Some stitchers hate fractional stitches and will call this an advantage! I call this a slight disadvantage because it will limit the kind of projects that can be used on plastic canvas. Without fibers to stitch between, you can’t create quarter stitches or three-quarter stitches. This means there are no fibers to stitch between, only bars. Usually, you want the stitches to lie flat.) This limits you to bury the tail under the back of your stitches. (Which *could* turn into a cool idea to add texture. And if you bury the thread in under the front stitches, it will definitely show on by raising the stitches. Pin Stitch is impossible, since there are no fabric fibers to weave the tail in between. When you use plastic canvas, you are limited in how to end your thread. Plastic canvas and perforated plastic can’t be put into a frame or hoop while stitching. You NEVER have to tape the edges and you can cut it before you stitch. Unlike cloth, plastic canvas will never fray.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |