How to Join Plastic Canvas with the Whip Stitch

Plastic canvas is a sturdy, grid-like material made from lightweight plastic, commonly used for needlepoint and various crafting projects. Often, two or more sheets of plastic canvas need to be joined together for a specific project.

The ideal stitch for this purpose is the whip stitch! This tutorial will demonstrate how to join plastic canvas pieces with the whip stitch.

Plastic canvas serves as a sturdy material for projects such as coasters, tissue box covers, ornaments, baskets, bookmarks, 3D objects and decorative home items.  Many plastic canvas projects need to be pieced together. This is where knowing the whip stitch is handy.

The simple whip stitch not only holds pieces together securely but also creates a neat, attractive edge. The whip stitch is an easy-to-learn technique that can be used to transform flat pieces of plastic canvas into three-dimensional creations. 

Learn more about the plastic canvas whip stitch by clicking the link below to watch our YouTube video or keep reading this post for our step-by-step instructions and photo guide.

How to stitch the whip stitch

WHAT YOU NEED to whip stitch plastic canvas together

• Yarn
• Two pieces of plastic canvas
• Plastic or tapestry needle (Purchase from Amazon or Michaels)
• Scissors (Amazon or Michaels)

INSTRUCTIONS to make the whip stitch

STEP 1: Make the tacking stitch

Before starting the whip stitch, it helps to tack the two pieces together so they don't shift while you stitch.

So, begin by cutting a length of yarn about 18 to 24 inches long and thread it into the eye of the needle. Here is a quick tip for threading a needle with yarn.

Once the needle is threaded, bring the needle up from the back to the front through the top hole of one plastic canvas piece. 

Pull the yarn through, leaving a 1 - 2 inch yarn tail. The tail will be secured and hidden while stitching.

Hold the tail flat against the edge of the piece with your finger.

Line up the second plastic canvas piece edge to edge so the holes match.  Insert the needle through the first hole of both pieces of plastic canvas.

Pull your yarn through to complete your tacking stitch, securing the two pieces together. 

Step 2: Begin the whip stitch

With the pieces tacked in place, start whip stitching. Make sure the holes and threads are aligned. Continue to hold the yarn tail along the edge of the two pieces so it will be hidden inside the stitches as you work.

Insert the needle into the next set of aligned holes from right to left.  Pull the yarn snug, forming the first whip stitch -  a little diagonal stitch. 

Repeat the motion for the next set of aligned holes, always working in the same direction, to create a neat diagonal stitch along the edge.

As you stitch, catch the yarn tail to conceal it between the two pieces.

STEP 3: Continue Whip Stitching

Work your way down the edge, repeating the whip stitch through each set of aligned holes.

Taking the needle from right to left into the holes.

Pulling the yarn through.

Each stitch should wrap around the edge and lie neatly next to the one before it.  Keep the tension even - tight enough to hold the pieces firmly, neatly together.

OPTIONAL STITCHING METHOD

Another way to whip stitch is to stack the two pieces of plastic canvas directly on top of each other instead of side by side. This method of whip stitching is really easy and fast. 

Tack them together as shown in STEP 1.  After tacking, have to two pieces you want to sew together on top of each other, taking care to line up the threads and holes of the canvas.

Pass the needle through the next set of holes and each set of holes thereafter.

Pull the yarn through as you stitch along.

Continue to whip stitch all along the edges of the two pieces of plastic canvas. Keep stitching the pieces together until you reach the bottom.

STEP 4: Weave and trim yarn.

Once you've stitched the two pieces all the way to the end, flip your project over to the back. 

Take your needle and weave it under several stitches.

Gently pull the needle and the yarn through until the yarn lies flat and is concealed under the stitches.

Trim away any excess yarn with scissors.

And that’s it! You've learned how to join plastic canvas pieces using the whip stitch.  On the front, you'll see neat diagonal stitches.

While the back will have small horizontal stitches as shown in the following picture.

Whether you're making a tissue box cover, a toy or a storage container, the whip stitch or long-legged cross stitch will give your project an appealing, attractive edge.

I hope you enjoyed this whip stitch tutorial. With just a little practice, the whip stitch will become second nature. It’s simple, sturdy, and gives your plastic canvas projects a neat, finished look.

Now that you know how to join pieces together, you’re ready to start creating beautiful three-dimensional designs with confidence.

Other Plastic canvas stitches

• Smyrna Stitch
• Basket Stitch
• Cable Stitch
• Continental Stitch
• French Knot