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Fabric Facts: Canvas by Sue Hawkins
Canvas is available in two main types; single-thread (mono) canvas and double-thread (duo) canvas. The latter is also known as Penelope canvas.
Single-thread/mono canvas
This canvas is constructed of a simple evenweave and is also available in a deluxe quality. In the deluxe the threads are polished before the canvas is woven and so the yarn passes smoothly through the canvas as you stitch. Deluxe is always worth the extra expense to prevent snarling the yarn. This type of canvas is suitable for any piece of work, but especially upholstery, e.g., seat covers, where the embroidery will be stretched unevenly when the seat is sat on. The canvas threads are free to move a little on each other and so adjust to the stress rather than tearing. You will find both ordinary and deluxe in white or brown (the latter is known as antique) and you should choose according to the colours of yarn that you will be using.
Mono canvas is also available as interlock canvas. In this type of canvas the threads along the length are in fact double threads, twisted together to hold the cross threads firmly in place. This produces a more stable canvas, ideal for designs which include long stitches, which might otherwise pull loose canvas threads together and so make holes in your work. The disadvantage of interlock canvas is that it is only available in white. Take care not to stitch too tightly to avoid the white showing through the work. Interlock is very easy to make up once the embroidery is finished because it does not fray at all, unlike mono deluxe canvas which will very quickly fray right to the edge of the stitching unless great care is taken.
When stitching on mono (ie, single-thread) canvas, half cross stitch is not suitable. To create a full look to your finished stitching you should be using the threads in both directions of the weave (ie each stitch should be supported by two threads). If you work in half cross stitch you are only using the threads in one direction and your work will look thin. In fact, on ordinary or deluxe mono canvas your half cross stitches may actually slip under the weave of the canvas and then they will be very uneven. On mono canvas use continental or diagonal tent stitch.
A word of warning here: some kits will tell you to stitch half cross stitch on mono canvas. A much better result can always be obtained by using tent stitch, but you will probably run out of wool as tent stitch uses about half as much yarn again as half cross stitch. You have to decide whether you are prepared to purchase more wool or whether you will settle for a rather thin looking finished piece with inferior wearing qualities. Alternatively, maybe if we all wrote to the kit manufacturers they would stop cutting corners on their wool quantities by using a stitch that is not really suitable!
Double-thread/Duo/Penelope Canvas
This type of canvas is the same as mono canvas except that the threads are grouped in twos in each direction and they are usually finer. Stitches are worked over the double threads but if you want to put more detail into part of the design, you can make four times as many stitches by using every canvas thread. In this case, before beginning use a thick tapestry needle to push apart the double threads. This is known as pricking out the canvas. Half cross stitch is suitable for double canvas because the double threads spread the stitches. Tent stitch (continental or diagonal) is also suitable.
Double-thread canvas is also used for trammed designs. A long straight stitch is worked on the canvas and this is then worked over in half cross stitch or tent stitch.
Stitching on Canvas
When counting canvas, always count the threads and not the holes - your stitches are made over threads and not in holes. This is a common stumbling block but you will always get it right if you remember that holes cannot be counted because they are empty!
Canvas is most commonly available in four mesh sizes: 10-, 12-, 14- and 18-count (threads to the inch/2.5cm). Any gauge of canvas can be used with any chart. Just use the stitch counts given to calculate the dimensions of the finished design and choose the size most suited to the particular project that you have in mind. (Divide the number of stitches by the canvas count to give you the design size). It is a good idea to bind the edge of your canvas with masking tape before you begin to stitch. This protects your hands and prevents the yarns from catching on the cut edge.
