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Online Classroom Part I

Introduction to Canvas Work -- Canvas and Needles

by Sue Kerndt and Ann Caswell

Canvas Types

Canvas is an open evenweave material made of cotton, linen, hemp, nylon, polyester or silk. Canvas is generally stiff, although it varies with different types of canvas and the manufacturer. The stiffness is due to the sizing or starch that is added to the canvas threads during the manufacturing process. Sizing provides additional strength and minimizes the amount of distortion that can occur while stitching. The image at right shows canvases in several colors.

As in all woven fabric, canvas threads are denoted as warp (vertical threads) and weft or woof (horizontal threads). There is a wide variety of canvas sizes (mesh), denoted by the number of canvas threads or intersections per inch. The higher the thread count, the finer the canvas.

Canvas grain refers to the weave of the canvas. The canvas should always have the warp threads run vertically with the design and the welf threads horizontally. In other words, the woven finished edge or selvage should be on either side of a design, not at the top or bottom. Sometimes the selvage has been cut away, and the stitcher is left to decide. Instead of guessing, pull an outer canvas thread. If the thread is wavy, it is a weft thread; if it is straight it is a warp thread.

There are three basic groups of canvas, not including several specialty items. Each type of canvas has its own characteristics and benefits, making one more advantageous than another depending on its function. When selecting a canvas, consider the type of canvas that would be most suitable, the mesh size and color.

From left to right: Interlock, Penelope, Mono

Penelope canvas is a very durable double thread canvas. Two warp threads and two weft threads are woven within each intersection. The double threads parallel to the selvage are woven closer together than the pair of threads running perpendicular to it. The double threads can be separated, allowing for two different size stitches. Use the pair of canvas threads as one unit for large stitches (gros point) or separate the pairs of vertical and horizontal threads for smaller stitches (petit point). Because Penelope canvas is stronger than other types of needlepoint canvas, it is suitable for rugs, upholstery and other items receiving heavy use. It is also the only canvas that is suitable for the half-cross stitch. (If the half-cross stitch is used on mono canvas, the stitches will tend to slip behind the canvas threads and will not maintain the correct slant.) Penelope canvas comes in limited sizes and colors (brown and white). 10/20 and 12/24 are the most common sizes, although other sizes are available. The first number refers to the groups of threads in pairs per inch; the second number is the count of single threads per inch.

Mono canvas is a single thread canvas with the warp and weft threads woven over and under each other. The canvas threads are smooth and round, causing less abrasion for the stitching threads. The canvas threads can be easily moved and/or removed to work other techniques such as pulled thread, appliqué, needleweaving, hardanger, etc. However, it is not as strong as Penelope canvas and can easily be distorted or pulled out of shape. For this reason, it is generally preferred to work mono canvas on a frame to prevent the threads from shifting. Mono canvas comes in a variety of colors and sizes: 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 and Congress Cloth, which ranges between 22-24 mesh.

Interlock canvas has double weft and single warp threads woven through each other and chemically set. This weaving process is referred to as twining. Interlock canvas is lighter weight than mono canvas, but because of its construction, it is more abrasive on stitching threads. The interlocking threads tend to help keep the canvas in alignment, but when it does become distorted, it is very difficult to block. For this reason, the use of decorative and composite stitches is more suited for mono canvas. It is also important to use a frame to help keep the canvas threads in alignment. Because interlock canvas does not ravel as easily as mono canvas, it is advantageous for projects that required cutting irregular shapes. Interlock canvas is available in a variety of sizes: 10, 12, 13, 14 and 18. (Larger mesh sizes are also available but very limited.)

Speciality Canvases

The foundation for our canvas work can also included several specialty canvases. Each has their own purpose and limitations.

Specialty canvases
from top to bottom:
Bargello canvas,
Plastic Canvas,
Silk gauze,
Soft Congress Cloth,
Rug canvas,
Waste canvas

Plastic canvas is very popular for children and craft projects, especially in situations where cutting out a shape is required. It is stiffer than canvas, making it advantageous for three-dimensional projects such as boxes. It comes in a variety of sizes, colors and pre-cut shapes.

Waste canvas is designed to be used as a temporary foundation for fabric-type grounds that are unsuitable for counted stitches. It is a lightweight, double thread canvas and can sometimes be identified by the evenly spaced dark blue warp threads running parallel to the selvage. It is meant to be temporarily attached to the ground fabric and is worked by stitching through both layers. When the stitching is completed, the item is moistened to remove the waste canvas threads. Waste canvas comes in a variety of sizes from 6.5 to 16 mesh.

Silk gauze is a very fine, lightweight single thread canvas, which is constructed similar to interlock canvas. Silk gauze comes in a variety of sizes from 24 count and up. It is sometimes sold in small pieces mounted on a mat to give support.

Rug canvas (leno canvas) is a double thread canvas with the pairs of canvas threads evenly spaced. Unlike Penelope canvas, the double threads are not intended to be separated for smaller stitches. The double thread construction makes this canvas very durable. Rug canvas is available in white and ecru in sizes from 3.5 to 7 mesh.

Bargello Canvas is a mono canvas that has been especially developed for Florentine work (Bargello). It is only available in 13 mesh in brown. It differs from regular mono canvas in that the threads used in the manufacturing process are not as smooth as normal mono canvas threads. This "fuzziness" helps to hold the stitching threads in place and keep them in alignment. Wool stitching threads work best on Bargello canvas, but with care, other threads can be used as well.

Soft Congress cloth (recently renamed Congressa) is a mono canvas that is similar to regular Congress cloth but without as much sizing. It is useful for items that require a softer ground, such as trims or clothing. It is especially good for painting techniques or when canvas threads need to be removed as in hardanger and applique.

Needles

A tapestry needle is the most common needle used in canvas work. It is a blunt needle with an elongated eye. A tapestry needle allows the stitcher to slip the needle between the canvas threads without piercing them.

Tapestry needles come in a variety of sizes: 13-28 (the smaller the needle, the larger the number). The correct size needle will be able to pass comfortably through the holes of the canvas while not damaging the thread in the needle. Use the largest needle possible which does not distort the fabric or canvas so the needle "paves" the way for the thread thus reducing wear and abrasion. Suggested sizes are:

Canvas Size - Tapestry Needle Size

3 to 5 mesh - 13 needle
7 to 8 mesh - 14 or 16 needle
10 mesh - 18 or 20 needle
12 to 14 mesh - 20 needle
16 to 20 mesh - 22 needle
22 to 24 mesh - 24 or 26 needle
26 to 28 mesh - 26 or 28 needle

Specialty needles include chenille, sharps, curved and beading needles. Depending on the techniques being used, these needles can be very useful for canvas work.

Chenille needles are similar to tapestry needles but with a sharp point. They have an elongated eye for easier threading. They are particularly useful for ribbon and crewel embroidery on canvas.

Sharps and Crewel or Embroidery needles are particularly good for finer threads and techniques such as couching. They are finer and shorter needles with sharp points.

Curved needles now come in a variety of sizes. They are wonderful for techniques worked on the surface of the canvas such as needleweaving and needlelace.

Beading needles are long, very thin needles with a very tiny eye. Their size allows the stitcher to attach beads to the canvas surface.

Needles from left to right:
Curved needle,
Chenille needles
Embroidery needles, Beading needle,
Tapestry needles
(13, 20, 22, 24, 26)

Needles should be stored in an emery pincushion or wool felt to keep them dry. Check periodically to see if the needle is becoming discolored. Moisture and acidity will cause a needle to turn dark. This may cause the thread to discolor, which will appear on the needlework.

If your thread is fraying or shredding it may be the fault of dents and nicks which occur with repeated use in the interior of the needle's eye and are not visible. Discard needles which have received such damage so they do not mar your stitching threads.

There are many types of needle cases and threading aids available today. Some of the most interesting and ornate ones duplicate those found in our grandmother's stitching basket!

Photography and Graphics by Sue Kerndt