Plastic Canvas Honor

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

1. What is plastic canvas?

   Answer: Plastic canvas is a flexible plastic mesh with uniform holes in a grid, used as a base for cross-stitch and tapestry embroidery. It replaces traditional fabric, is more durable, washable, does not fray and holds its shape. It is sold in different colors (transparent, white, colored) and mesh sizes (5, 7, 10, 14 holes per inch). — Invented in the 1970s in the U.S. by Darice; it allowed rigid 3D embroidery such as notebook covers, boxes and Christmas ornaments; mesh 7 ("7-mesh") is the most popular; the transparent color makes it easy to transfer a chart by copying the design from underneath; it is a standard item in craft stores such as Mercado Livre and at Hobby Lobby in the U.S. today and is in force.

2. Cite 4 types of plastic canvas and briefly describe the usefulness of each one of them.

   Answer: Four types: (1) mesh 5 (5 holes/inch) — large projects (rugs, cushions); (2) mesh 7 — general use (phone holders, notebook covers); (3) mesh 10 — detailed projects (boxes, magnets); (4) mesh 14 — fine and delicate pieces (jewelry, miniatures). The higher the number, the more holes and the more detail possible in the final piece. — Mesh 7 is the most-used standard for beginners (it balances detail and speed); mesh 14 is for the advanced level, requiring fine threads such as floss; the table created by Bond America in the 1970s is still a reference; 5-mesh accepts thick wool, ideal for children learning to embroider for the first time at an Adventist school today.

3. What are the most suitable types of threads for stitching on plastic canvas?

   Answer: Suitable threads: acrylic wool (the most used, covers the canvas well), pearl cotton (twisted cotton, slight sheen), floss (separable multifilament cotton, for fine detail) and metallic thread (shiny decorative finish). Choose the thread according to the mesh: thick wool for mesh 5, 6-strand floss for mesh 7, 3-4 strand floss for mesh 10. — DMC or Anchor acrylic wool are international standards; pearl cotton has a silk-like sheen but is durable; floss allows you to separate strands to adjust thickness; metallic thread requires a large needle so as not to tear; combinations are taught in books such as "The Plastic Canvas Bible" by Annie's Publishing in the U.S., applied in Brazilian schools today and in force.

4. Demonstrate how to use threads of different thicknesses.

   Answer: Use thick yarn (wool) on 5 or 7 mesh — it passes through easily and covers well. On 10 mesh, use embroidery floss with 6 strands together. On 14 mesh, use 3-4 separated floss strands. To test, pass the needle through the hole: if it forces, it is too thick. If there is space left over, it is too thin — combine strands to fill. Demonstrate with 3 different samples. — The tapestry needle is blunt (it does not pierce fabric) and has a large eye for thick threads; the correct gauge prevents tearing the canvas on fine meshes; DMC floss has 6 separable strands; for 7 mesh use 6 strands together, for 10 mesh use 4 strands and for 14 mesh use 2-3 strands — the Brazilian Annie's Plastic Canvas standard in force today.

5. What type of needle is used to work with plastic canvas? Demonstrate which needle size adapts to each type of plastic canvas.

   Answer: Use a tapestry needle (with a blunt rounded tip and a large eye). The size depends on the mesh: needle 13 (thick) for mesh 5; needle 16 for mesh 7 (the most common); needle 18 for mesh 10; needle 22 (thin) for mesh 14. The higher the number, the thinner the needle. The blunt tip avoids tearing the plastic during stitching. — John James or Bohin tapestry needles are an international standard; the sizes follow the British norm; needle 16 fits mesh 7 without forcing; a rounded tip vs. the pointed one of a common sewing needle (which tears the canvas); the book "Plastic Canvas Encyclopedia" by Leisure Arts teaches this relationship, applied in Brazilian clubs today and in force.

6. What instruments are used to cut plastic canvas? How should the cut be made in the work?

   Answer: Use sharp ordinary scissors (sewing or hair) or a craft knife on a hard surface. For straight cuts, use a ruler. Always cut between the rows of holes, not through the holes (it tears). Cut carefully following the project chart. For curves, use fine-point scissors. Always cut with the piece supported to avoid hand accidents. — An X-Acto knife is ideal for long straight cuts; nail scissors are great for small curves; cutting between rows preserves firm edges for weaving threads later without fraying; the book "Plastic Canvas Crafts" by House of White Birches recommends sanding the edges after cutting for a smooth final finish, in force.

7. Know 10 types of stitches used in plastic canvas work and make a sample of each one of them.

   Answer: Ten stitches: 1) simple cross (X), 2) half cross (/), 3) vertical straight (|), 4) horizontal straight (-), 5) backstitch (outline), 6) diagonal Gobelin, 7) Florentine (flame), 8) brick, 9) basket weave, 10) French (knot). Make a sample of each one on a piece of canvas, marking the name beside it to present to the honor instructor. — The simple cross is the basis of everything; the Gobelin honors medieval French tapestry; the Florentine stitch is typical of Italian Renaissance paintings; the French knot gives 3D relief; the book "Plastic Canvas Stitches Encyclopedia" by Annie's lists 100+ advanced stitches — these 10 are standard for beginners in Brazilian Adventist schools today.

8. Make 2 of the following items, using 3 different stitches.
   • Bookmark
   • Refrigerator magnet
   • Christmas ornament
   • Picture frame
   • Coaster

   Answer: You make 2 items (e.g., a picture frame + a jewelry box, or a notebook cover + a fridge magnet). In each one use at least 3 different stitches (e.g., cross stitch to fill the background, French knot for relief, backstitch for outline). Present the finished pieces to the instructor, explaining the technique used and the time spent on the total construction. — Combining stitches creates rich visual texture; cross stitch fills large areas; the French knot adds highlight points (buttons, flower centers); backstitch defines fine outlines; combining 3+ stitches is intermediate level; books such as "Plastic Canvas for Kids" by Annie's recommend small projects before advancing to large rugs, in force.

9. Make 1 of the following items, using at least 4 different stitches.
   • Box
   • Rug (mat)
   • Bag

   Answer: You make a larger item (e.g., a decorative box, a Bible cover, a desk organizer) using at least 4 stitches: cross stitch to fill the background, French knot for relief details, backstitch for outlines, Gobelin for large diagonal areas. Present the finished piece to the instructor, explaining the techniques and the positioning of each stitch on the piece. — Combining 4+ stitches is intermediate-advanced level; the book "Plastic Canvas University" by Annie's has projects that mix up to 8 stitches per piece; a Bible cover is a classic project in the Adventist Pathfinder club — it strengthens spiritual practice along with manual skill, applied in Brazilian schools today, in force.