Snagging threads, scratched hands, frayed canvas edges. By taking a few minutes to prepare your needlepoint canvas before stitching, these are just some of the problems you prevent.
Steps
- Find the top and bottom of your canvas. Selvages are always on the left and/or right edge.
- Mark "top" at the top with a permanent, waterproof marker made for fabric.
- Make an arrow going from lower right to upper left in the top left corner for reference.
- Cut a piece of artist's or masking tape long enough to cover one side.
- Lay it sticky side up on a table. Put one edge of the canvas partly over it.
- Fold the remaining tape to the other side of the canvas.
- Press along the edge with your finger to make it flat.
- Cut off any edges which go beyond the edge of the canvas.
- Repeat the process for the other sides.
- Make sure that the edges of your canvas are protected and you can mount the canvas on stretcher bars.
Tips
- If there is no selvage, unravel one vertical and one horizontal thread. The more wavy one should be the vertical direction.
- On interlock canvas, the direction with two threads winding is vertical (although this is less important).
- Using a bone folding tool (from rubber stamp shops) makes it easier to smooth the edges.
- Many shops will prepare canvas for you, be sure to ask when you buy some.
Things You'll Need
- needlepoint canvas
- artist's tape
- permanent, waterproof marker
- bone folder (optional)
