How to End Yarn when Stitching on Plastic Canvas (Anchor Yarn Plastic Canvas Stitch)

Plastic canvas is a fun form of needlework, allowing the stitcher to make two-dimensional projects such as coasters, magnets, door hangers, wall hangings, keychains and bookmarks.

Three-dimensional projects such as tissue box covers, storage boxes, purses, ornaments and more can be made as well. Take a look at the free plastic canvas projects page for inspiration.

What yarn is best for plastic canvas work?

The best type of yarn to use on plastic canvas is regular worsted weight yarn. It comes in a variety of colors, is inexpensive, and can be found at fabric and craft stores as well as big box stores.

The type of specialty yarn that is sold in little skeins just for plastic canvas is expensive and not necessary to purchase.  Check garage sales and thrift stores for bargains on regular worsted weight yarn. 

It is important to keep the back of the canvas project neat and free from knots and loose ends. To finish off a color or to end the yarn when a stitching area is complete, it is necessary to anchor yarn neatly.

To learn the plastic canvas basics of ending yarn, watch the video below or keep reading this page.

supplies needed for anchoring yarn on plastic canvas

• Plastic canvas project
• Yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

directions for ending yarn on plastic canvas

step 1: take yarn to the back of the plastic canvas

Once it is time to end or anchor the yarn on a plastic canvas project, it is important to finish on the back of the plastic canvas.

After the last stitch is complete, push the needle through from the front of the project to the back of the plastic canvas.

step 2: Anchor the yarn through the finished stitches

Take the needle with the yarn still threaded and work it through several stitches on the back of the plastic canvas. Go through 8-10 stitches if possible. Be sure to stay on the back of the plastic canvas project.

If the stitches on the back of the plastic canvas are very small and hard to go through, simply run the needle through the next row of larger stitches.

Be sure to take a look at the plastic canvas stitch directory. 

step 3: cut the ending yarn on the plastic canvas

Once the needle and yarn have been pulled through several of the completed stitches on the back of the plastic canvas project, simply use scissors to cut the yarn close to the plastic canvas where the yarn ends.

There should be no loose end yarn or knots on the finished plastic canvas.

other helpful plastic canvas articles

• How to Start Yarn on Plastic Canvas
• Plastic Canvas Tips and Hints
• Smyrna Stitch on Plastic Canvas
• Lazy Daisy Stitch on Plastic Canvas