NEEDLEPOINT GUIDE

Needlepoint Canvas 101: How to Pick the Best Type for Your Project

From Penelope to plastic — a guide to choosing the right canvas every time.

7 Canvas Types Beginner Guide Buying Tips

Blank needlepoint canvas comes in many sizes, colours and types. Are you confused about which one is the best for which needlework project? I'll try to help.

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CANVAS TYPE 1

Penelope Canvas

Best for:

  • A strong needlepoint canvas that will stand up to everyday wear and tear
  • Designs in cross stitch or trammed tent stitch
  • Adding fine detail such as a face or tiny flowers

Double thread or Penelope canvas would be an ideal canvas to use for any of the above.

It is woven with pairs of threads going in each direction which enables you to "split" the threads and stitch in between them for the tiny details, whilst using the double threads normally for the rest of the design.

You will often find this canvas labeled with two numbers when you buy it; 10/20 or 11/22. The numbers refer to the number of threads per inch (2.5cm); 10 double threads or 20 single, for example.

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CANVAS TYPE 2

Mono Canvas

Best for:

  • Upholstery projects
  • Designs with pulled work stitches
  • Designs with limited tent stitch or half cross stitch
  • Bargello designs
  • Intermediate or experienced stitchers
Photo showing a selection of needlepoint canvas options
A selection of needlepoint canvas types

Plain single weave or mono canvas has a certain amount of give in it because of the over/under weave, making it suitable for stitching cushions or chair covers. As long as you don't have sizeable areas of half cross stitch, it should keep its shape.

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CANVAS TYPE 3

Interlock Canvas

Best for:

  • Beginners to needlepoint
  • Designs worked entirely in tent or half cross stitch
  • Projects where you need a canvas that won't fray

Interlock canvas is constructed of two threads in each direction that are twisted around each other. This makes it more stable and less prone to distortion whilst stitching.

You can also trim it close to the edge of your project without fraying, making it ideal for stitching coasters and similar projects.

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CANVAS TYPE 4

Plastic Canvas

Best for:

  • 3D projects such as boxes or tissue covers
  • Children learning to stitch
  • Washable projects
  • Projects cut into fancy or complex shapes

Plastic canvas is stiff, therefore doesn't need to be worked in a frame or mounted afterwards. As it is molded rather than woven, you can cut it with no risk of fraying. It comes in easy to see counts making it simple to stitch on.

Try it out by stitching my free plastic canvas poppies coaster — a perfect beginner project!
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CANVAS TYPE 5

Rug Canvas

Best for:

  • Floor rugs that won't take two lifetimes to complete!

Rug canvas is available with from 3 to 5 holes per inch. You can stitch or knot a rug on this canvas.

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CANVAS TYPE 6

Silk Gauze

Silk gauze is a type of miniature canvas
Cross stitch on 14 count Aida (left) compared with work on 40 count silk gauze (right)

Best for:

  • Dolls house rugs or cushions
  • Mounting finished work in a brooch

Silk gauze is available with many threads to the inch! I have worked on 40 count. The threads are very fine and you would only need a single strand of fine thread to work on it. It often comes already mounted in a cardboard frame to keep the threads straight and make it easier to use.

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CANVAS TYPE 7

Waste Canvas

If you want to stitch on an unevenly woven fabric, waste canvas is the one to pick.

Check the waste canvas page to learn how to use it.

A cross stitch piece worked on waste canvas
Robin stitched on a tee-shirt using waste canvas
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GOOD TO KNOW

General Information About Needlepoint Canvas

Most woven canvas is made from polished cotton or linen threads. It normally comes in white, ecru, yellow or brown.

If you are going to stitch a design in mainly pale shades, it is best to pick white just in case any canvas shows through. Likewise, for a darker design pick the brown canvas.

We can measure canvas in holes per inch or threads per inch, which can be confusing. Mono canvas is generally sold in threads per inch.

You do get what you pay for with canvas — cheaper pieces can have knots or unevenly twisted threads making them weaker.

I hope this helps you choose the right needlepoint canvas for your next project.

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EXPLORE MORE

Ready to Start Stitching?

Now you know which canvas to pick, it's time to choose your stitches and get started on your next needlepoint project.

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

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