Which Needlepoint Canvas
Should I Use?
Needlepoint canvas is usually made of cotton and is most commonly white or beige in color. The cotton makes it easy to wash and handle. It is open-weave and comes in a variety of mesh sizes (or degrees of "openness"). Because on this site we focus only on what you really need to know, we'll cover the three most commonly used needlepoint canvas types.
Mono Needlepoint Canvas
Mono canvas is what is called a single mesh canvas and is probably what you will see most often.
Mono comes in a variety of sizes - 7 through 18. The size relates to the number of threads per inch, so the smaller the number, the larger the "holes" in the canvas - or the more "open" the weave.
A size 18 canvas would be used for small projects and/or where the design is very detailed. It will take longer to work a size 18 mesh canvas than it will a size 10 canvas of the same dimension. For a beginner, size 10 or 12 mono canvas is a great way to start.
The size of canvas you choose will also depend upon the thread you plan to use. The thread should glide smoothly through the mesh. If the mesh is too small it will shred the thread. If the mesh is too large the thread will not cover the canvas and the canvas will show through. Not a good look!
So when choosing a mesh size you need to consider not only the design you want to stitch, but also the thread you plan to use. Remember, if you choose a
needlepoint kit
you don't need to worry about any of this as the manufacturer has sweated it out for you and provided you with the right mesh size for the thread included.
Have we mentioned we love kits?
Interlock Canvas
Interlock is also a single weave, like mono, but the threads are twisted together which makes it a bit more rigid. There are different mesh sizes as with mono.
Penelope Canvas
This is a double weave canvas and so two threads, not just one, are woven together to form a mesh. Penelope canvas is popular for "petit point" which is where the canvas threads are split so that very small stitches can be done to create fine detail. Once again, penelope needlepoint canvas comes in a variety of mesh sizes, just as with mono.
Click
here
for instructions on how to stitch a penelope needlepoint canvas.
Where can I buy needlepoint canvas?
Zweigart canvas is the most common canvas and it is of excellent quality. You will almost certainly be able to buy Zweigart canvas at your local needlepoint store and they will cut as much as you need off a roll for you.
For online purchases, we have Zweigart needlepoint canvases right here and you can purchase securely through Paypal. Click
here.
Contact us about needlepoint canvas.
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