Getting started with plastic canvas

There are some things that everyone should know before starting a plastic canvas project. And a few items that you should have on hand before starting.

1. Plastic canvas comes in different sizes (based on thread count per inch). There are 5-mesh, 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14- mesh count canvas. The larger the number the small the finished item will be. A 7-mesh count canvas will be larger than a 14-mesh count canvas item. When working a pattern, check the canvas count size first before cutting the pieces.
2. Canvas comes in a large selection of colors. Color canvas works best for items with a large portion of the canvas showing (like the crayon keepers I make).
3. There are different stiffness and sheet size in plastic canvas. There are ovals, hearts, circles, and other shapes to choose from.
4. Always before cutting a shape from canvas, check to see if the pattern is in holes or threads. Cutting a pattern piece listed by thread count by a hole count will cause the pattern not to fit the piece.

Some items that will help with a pc project are as follows


1. A good pair of sharp scissors
2. A craft knife for cutting out small areas.
3. A grease pencil for marking the pattern on the canvas. Comes off the canvas with easy.
4. Needle threader. Makes it easier to thread a needle with yarn.
5. More than one canvas needle. Great for multi color projects to have a needle for each color being used.
6. A hole/thread count ruler.

I sometimes rework the pattern on graph paper to make the cutting details easier to follow. I also use the graph paper to work out new pattern colors for my projects. I use 4X4 and 10x10 paper. The 10x10 is great for working out placemats. The 4x4 for magnets and other small items.


Now your ready for your first project.