Canvas is a heavy, durable and inexpensive material -- perfect for using in intermediate sewing projects. With the right tools and techniques you can create sturdy tote bags and chic canvas clutches for yourself and friends.
Things You'll Need
Canvas fabric
Coordinating upholstory thread
Machine needles for denim and canvas
Straight pins
Iron and ironing board
Standard zipper
Scissors
Sewing machine
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Warning
Some treated canvas may stick to the plastic of the sewing machine or be difficult for the needle to puncture. Test stitching a piece before beginning a project.
Step 1: Prep Your Machine
After replacing your machine's needle with a heavy duty needle, thread your machine and bobbin with a medium-weight upholstery thread.
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Test your thread tension and stitch length by sewing a few sample seams on a scrap piece of canvas before starting your project. If thread tension is too taut, you may find your thread snaps frequently while stitching -- creating weak seams.
Step 2: Sew Seams
Sew at a slow and constant speed to keep your seams straight and to avoid snapping your thread. When sewing through multiple layers of canvas you might feel (or hear) the machine straining to push the needle through all the layers; release your foot from the pedal and turn the needle by hand for a few stitches using the hand wheel on the side of the machine. This will prevent the needle from snapping or bending.
Tip
Add a jewel toned zipper for a pop of color on a neutral canvas pouch.
Step 3: Reinforce Corners
If completing a project with square corners, sew and backstitch a diagonal line across your corner to strengthen the point after trimming seam excess. Trimming close to the corner before inverting will create crisp square corners after pressing.
Trim any hanging threads and give your project a final press for a professional-looking finish.
Tip
Use brightly colored fabric paints to add abstract artwork to your canvas -- just allow fabric to completely dry before sewing artwork together!
Create cute canvas pouches to contain your clutter, or sew a collection of hand-painted throw pillows to curate an art gallery on your couch.
Have a cool idea for another canvas sewing project? Questions about needles and thread sizes? Just comment in the section below.