transferring cross stitch to plastic canvas
because of my dwindling eyesight, it has become extremely difficult to see the eye of needles used for cross stitching. in order to keep myself busy, I have taken to stitching patterns on plastic canvas. because of the difference in size of the canvas, the finished products end up considerably larger than original. for example, one that was intended as a cushion cover for a chair ended up card table sized. 18X18 to 34X34. the original pattern was taken from an old magazine. my next project is called Victorian Charm, a Dimensions design for Wilton Brands out of Woodridge, Ill. stitched on 18 count aida. dimensions of original are 8" X 17", finished size will be roughly 16" X 34". granted, I will probably not be able to stick to the exact pattern because of half stitches and such, but it is pretty. estimated time to work the pattern will be about 6 months. there are more than 42,000 stitches in it. have any of you wonderful folks out there ever tried a project like this?? wish me luck, and thankyou for any and all encouragement. sincerely, Joyce Wagner
Posted by: crazygrandmajoyce on 06/16/19
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Crazygrandma, tried plastic long, long time ago, but didn't like it. I did it from needlepoint projects. Then I found count cross stitch projects, and was hooked. Would love to see your work. Please post some, if you can. I do use a magnifier and a needle threader. Good luck on your project.
Posted by: djhmom55 on 06/16/19
I would love to see your pieces. What ever works for you is good as you still get to stitch! Post some picture on your progress. Crusin Pam
Posted by: crusin60 on 06/16/19
Hi Joyce. Believe me. I get the dwindling eyesight issue. Goes right along with arthritic thumbs. My first thought was NO! NO! NO! Not plastic canvas. Way to stiff to stitch large projects. Have you considered the fabric used for rug hooking? It has larger holes. It is softer and would be easier to work with. Use yarn instead of floss. You should have no problem finding needles with large eyes that knitters use for sewing seams together. (I think that I could actually thread these needles with my eyes closed.)

42, 000 stitches sounds like a lot. You might want to attempt a much smaller project first.

I am interested in hearing about this project.
Posted by: NANCYE G on 06/16/19
Silly me. Just remembered that Everything Cross Stitch has a sister site called Everything Latch Hook. Take a look. It might make my previous post easier to understand
Posted by: NANCYE G on 06/16/19
Joyce, i too understand about the eyesight. I need surgery on my left eye to remove what I HOPE is a cataract. Nancye sent me a little tool (plastic) that is used for flossing that now serves as my threading through the needle. Gone are the days that i could cross stitch leaning back in my recliner and not having direct light. Now it takes cheaters and ott lamp to enable me to continue. I think you are quite clever in using plastic canvas to stitch. I am happy that you have that substitute in order to keep stitching. Now that you have posted on this site, you are officially a member of the ECS chat. Keep us posted of your progress. I think it would be wonderful to see your work. Peace. Pam
Posted by: pamelastine11 on 06/16/19
Would love to see your work!
Also, if you are tempted to try cross stitching on Aida or some fabric again, I thought there are needles you can buy that you just press the floss against the side of the needle at one end of it and there is a small one-way opening that allows the floss to slip into the needle’s ‘eye’.
Posted by: Bermuda on 06/16/19
thank you so much for all of your encouragement and suggestions. I will be using 3 ply worsted weight yarn when I get it started. have to go shopping for a couple of the colors I need first. Walmart here I come. it will take about 10 sheets of 7 count plastic canvas pieced together. when 2 sheets are completed, I will try to post it to show you all the progress. thanks again, joyce
Posted by: crazygrandmajoyce on 06/16/19
I didn't understand that you were going to stitch on several pieces of plastic canvas and then piece them together. I thought you were going to stitch on one gigantic piece of plastic canvas. How would you piece them together neatly? I envision a finished product with lumpy seams? I am not being critical; I just don't understand how this would work
Posted by: NANCYE G on 06/16/19
I think it sounds interesting and I bet Joyce uses an ingenious way to join the plastic canvas. Necessity is the mother of invention! I look forward to seeing the project in process. Pam
Posted by: pamelastine11 on 06/16/19
She could join them with a heavy duty quilting thread...But it all just sounds HEAVY to me. Rugs would be lighter.
Nancy's idea of the rug canvas...maybe needlepoint canvas...makes better sense to me. You know better what your problems are.
Posted by: VCESS on 06/16/19