FREE PATTERN

Free Plastic Canvas Poppy Coaster Pattern

A printable chart, materials list and beginner-friendly tent stitch instructions.

Beginner Friendly Free Chart Tent Stitch 7-Count Canvas

Let's start our free printable plastic canvas patterns section with a poppy design. This coaster is easy to stitch using tent stitch and could be tackled by a beginner to the craft of needlepoint.

This form of canvas is moulded rather than woven and can be cut into shaped pieces for three dimensional items, such as tissue boxes or dollhouse furniture without risk of fraying.

You do not need to sew pieces together for this design, just stitch over the edge and use it as a coaster under your hot drinks to protect your table top.

free poppy coaster
The finished poppy coaster
You could stitch four coasters and a plain base and then sew them together to create a pen tub or container.
✦ ✦ ✦
MATERIALS

What Do I Need?

  • 1 square 7 count plastic canvas with 26 × 26 holes
  • Blue, red, green and black yarn
  • Size 18 tapestry needle
  • Needle threader (optional)
✦ ✦ ✦
THE CHART

Getting Started

free plastic canvas poppy chart
The poppy chart — each square represents one tent stitch

The first of our free printable plastic canvas patterns is worked from the chart above.

Having large holes the canvas is ideal for children or the visually impaired, but of course it can be enjoyed by anyone.

The squares and circles save time as you do not need to cut the shape before you can stitch. But for economy you can buy the larger sheets, in a number of colours and cut to shape yourself.

The craft mesh is also available in a 10 count size which will result in smaller finished pieces.

✦ ✦ ✦
PREPARATION

Threading the Needle

Threading wool into your tapestry needle can be tricky so you may like to use a needle threader.

To use the type shown in the photograph, push the smallest end of the threader through the eye of the needle. Poke the yarn through the hole in the end of the threader, then pull it back firmly, leaving the yarn threaded through the needle ready to use.

If you don't have a threader you can use a piece of folded paper for the same purpose. Cut it narrow enough to fit through the eye of the needle and sandwich the end of the yarn between the fold. Pass the paper through the needle and the yarn will go too.

needle threader for yarn
A needle threader makes life easier
✦ ✦ ✦
STEP BY STEP

Start Stitching

1

Blue Background First

Thread the needle with the blue yarn and stitch the first 7 stitches in the top left hand corner of the chart using one of the three types of tent stitch.

2

Work in Colour Blocks

Change direction and work the 5 blue stitches underneath. Continue in this way until your blue thread runs out, following the blue squares on the chart. Work in blocks of colour rather than row by row.

3

Add the Poppies

Change to red yarn and start working on the poppies themselves. Then fill in the green and black areas following the chart.

4

Outline & Finish

When all the tent stitches are in place, thread up with black yarn and outline using back stitch (optional). To complete your coaster work an overcast stitch in blue over the edge.

✦ ✦ ✦
GIVE IT A TRY

Ready to Stitch Your Poppy Coaster?

This little project is a great introduction to plastic canvas work. The 7-count mesh makes it easy to see where your stitches go, and the poppy design is cheerful and satisfying to complete. Why not make a set?

Head back to the Needlepoint hub for more techniques, tips and free patterns.

 

You might like these


Stay connected between projects

If you’d like occasional updates from my embroidery room, including new patterns, gentle tips, and little things I think you might enjoy, you’re warmly invited to join the Stitchin’ Times newsletter.