Online Classroom | Projects | Tips Online Classroom Part III Introduction to Canvas Work – Materials Preparation by Sue Kerndt and Ann Caswell Securing the Canvas Edges Securing the edges of the canvas will prevent your stitching threads from being damaged on the rough edges of the canvas. Seam tape and products such as Seams Great can be machine stitched on the edges of the canvas. You can also just turn under the canvas edges and machine-baste. Narrow masking, or art tape can also be used, but this must be cut away before finishing. (Tape leaves an acidic residue on the canvas.) Products such as Fray Check and duct tape should not be used. Attaching the Canvas to Stretcher Bars or Scroll Frames Needlework should be attached to stretcher bars or a scroll frame because: Needlework will stay neater and cleaner.
Scroll frames, sold in various sizes, usually have fabric tape attached on which to sew the top and bottom sides of the canvas. Additional lacing may be required on the sides to keep the canvas taut. New sidebars have been designed to apply tension to the canvas which may eliminate the need for lacing. Position the canvas evenly over the frame by first marking the center point of the tapes on both scroll bars and the center top and bottom of the canvas. Temporarily pin the canvas to the tapes, then stitch the canvas in place making sure there are no puckers in the canvas. Tighten the frame by rolling the bars to the area you wish to stitch.
Use of Frame Weights, Clamps and Stands Frame weights, clamps and stands hold the needlework frame, allowing the stitcher to have both hands free. This enables the stitcher more flexibility in manipulating and controlling threads. Frame weights are sold at needlework shops or homemade. They "weigh down" the edge of the frame on a table. A frame weight is easy to reposition while working, and is portable. Clamps such as C-clamps and bar clamps are sold in various sizes and styles in hardware stores. These clamps are used to hold the frame to a table more securely than a frame weight. Be aware that the clamp needs to be removed to get to the back of the canvas and not all tables can hold a clamp. Needlework stands are sold at needlework shops. They come in various styles: lap, floor, table frame holder, etc. Make sure the stand is sturdy, is adjustable and provides easy access to the back of the work. Floor stands are generally not very portable. Managing Threads Stripping Threads
Threading a Needle Freehand Starting Threads Except for extremely fine threads and some decorative stitches that use knots, the only knots used in canvas work are waste knots. Waste knots are temporary knots placed on the front of the canvas, clipped and removed after thread has been secured. Careful consideration needs to be given for placements of knots in designs with exposed ground fabric or canvas areas so the thread does not show through from the front. Choose a needle size which does not permanently distort the fabric or canvas, but allows the needle and thread to pass through freely. In - Line Waste Knot Securing Threads and Starting a New One Weave the tail of either an old thread or a new thread under existing stitches on the back of the work, taking care not to disturb the stitches on the front. To avoid shadows do not start or end dark threads under light colored areas. To avoid bulk, do not start and end threads under the same group of stitches.
Laying Two Parallel Threads
Stitch Tension A consistent tension is needed in canvas work to make stitches lay smooth, flat and even. While working on a frame, the stab/stitch method is used and is preferred over sewing. The needle is pushed up through the canvas from the back in one motion and down through the front of the canvas in a second motion. Check your work often to make sure that the threads hug the canvas snugly, without distorting the holes. Keep the tension relaxed and even. It is important that the thread "covers the canvas" without making the stitch too bulky. This is done by experimenting with different threads, stitches and canvas size. Untwisting Threads Drop the threaded needle and allow it to hang free to untwist the thread. Bringing Unfinished Thread to Front When changing threads or stopping before completing an area, always bring the thread to the front of the canvas, close to the last stitch made. This prevents catching the thread on the back of the canvas with other stitches. Never leave the needle in the canvas. Carrying Threads or Traveling Moving or traveling from one area of stitching to another with the same thread is allowed provided that the distance being traveled is no more than an inch. Always secure the thread under or through existing stitches to eliminate long threads on the back of the work. To avoid shadows, do not travel with dark threads under light colored areas. Damaged Threads Examine your thread while stitching. If it is fraying, losing its luster, etc., end the thread and start a new one. Stitching with a damaged thread causes unsightly areas on your needlework. Remember to choose the largest size needle which will not permanently distort the fabric or canvas so the needle paves the way and reduces wear and tear on the thread. Correcting Mistakes As soon as a mistake is made, stop and remove it before continuing. Remove the incorrect stitches by inserting an unthreaded needle under the stitch and gently pulling the thread out. Continue this process until you have reached the area where the mistake first occurred. In larger stitching areas, threads can be cut, but only with great caution. It is very easy to cut the canvas as well. Never reuse the thread; it is not worth saving. Photography by Sue Kerndt |
Some threads can be separated into individual strands, which is often referred to as "stripping." Stripping threads untwists the strands and allows them to lay smoother. As shown at right, hold the cut thread at the top and pull up on each strand individually. When working with fuzzy threads such as multiple stranded wools, it might be necessary to gently pull the strands apart, one by one. Regroup the desired number of strands according to the desired effect.
Determine the placement and stitching direction of the first stitch. Place a waste knot on the front of the canvas about two inches away from the first stitch, in the stitching path. While stitching, check the back of the canvas to be sure that the thread is being secured. Carefully clip the knot when you are a few stitches away. 
An away waste knot is placed on the front of the canvas about four inches away from the first stitch. When the stitching area is complete, the knot is cut and the end of the thread is placed in a needle. Secure the end under the existing stitching on the back of the work. This method is mostly used when there is open canvas in the area. 
For threads cut too short, a needle loop (lasso) can be used. Make a needle loop by placing the two ends of a 4-inch thread (pearl cotton 5 or 8) and leaving a short loop or lasso. Thread this through the existing stitching on the back of the work, catching the short piece of working thread through the lasso as shown at right. Give a quick tug on the needle and the end should be secured. 
Care should be taken when using multiple strands, to make sure the strands are laying parallel and not twisting on each other. When working with two strands, stitching between the strands (sometimes called "railroading" and illustrated at right) helps to keep them from twisting.
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