Plastic canvas is a wonderfully diverse form of needlework that allows you to stitch both two-dimensional objects, such as wall hangings and coasters, and three-dimensional creations like tissue box covers and napkin rings.
Designs use yarn stitched on a plastic mesh canvas, though cotton embroidery floss can be used for backstitching and other accent details. Like counted cross-stitch fabric, plastic canvas is categorized by the number of stitches per inch, referred to as the “mesh.” The most common sizes are 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh, and the canvas can either be clear plastic or a rainbow of colors.
Designs are stitched from a gridded chart, much like in counted cross-stitch. Each symbol represents a specific color to be used. The symbols lie on the intersection of the two lines. The chart should indicate where to begin stitching. All stitches begin on the back of your work. With a threaded needle, come up from the back of your work, hold a 1" section of the yarn against the back of the canvas and stitch over the 1" section. This will eliminate the need for a knot on the end of your yarn and will keep the back side of your work clean and flat.