• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
    • Art
    • Craft
    • Sew
    • Painting
    • Fabric
    • Fashion
    • Yarn
    • Informational

Wayne Arthur Gallery

Art Craft Sew with Wayne Arthur

Updated on February 23, 2024 / By Lisa Reitelbach

What Thread to Use for Sewing Canvas? Tips for Beginners

Selecting the right thread for sewing canvas is paramount to ensuring the durability and longevity of your projects. 

Canvas, known for its sturdiness and versatility, demands threads that can withstand its robust nature. 

Polyester and nylon threads are popular choices, prized for their strength, resistance to UV rays, and suitability for outdoor use. 

Optimal thread weight, typically 69 or higher, enhances the thread’s ability to navigate the dense canvas fabric effectively. 

Choosing between bonded and waxed finishes adds strength and resistance to abrasion and moisture. 

Understanding these considerations empowers crafters to make informed decisions, resulting in impeccably stitched and enduring canvas creations.

What Thread to Use for Sewing Canvas?

Choosing the right thread for sewing canvas is crucial to ensure the durability and strength of your project. 

Canvas is a heavy and sturdy fabric commonly used for various applications such as bags, tents, upholstery, and outdoor gear. 

Several factors should be considered when selecting a thread for sewing canvas to ensure a successful and long-lasting result.

Polyester

Polyester thread is a top choice for sewing canvas due to its strength and resilience. It is well-suited for outdoor projects because of its resistance to UV rays and moisture.

Unlike some other materials, polyester is less prone to mildew, making it an excellent option for canvas items that may be exposed to varying weather conditions. 

The durability of polyester thread ensures that your canvas creations maintain their integrity over time, even when subjected to the elements.

Nylon

Nylon thread is another robust option known for its high strength and durability. It excels in applications where abrasion resistance and tensile strength are crucial, making it an ideal choice for sewing canvas. 

Additionally, nylon threads boast water-resistant properties, making them suitable for outdoor projects that may come into contact with moisture. 

Combining strength and water resistance makes nylon a reliable option for creating long-lasting canvas items designed to withstand the elements.

Thread Weight

The weight or thickness of the thread is a critical consideration when sewing canvas. Opting for a heavy-duty thread with a lower weight number is advisable for canvas projects. 

Threads with a weight of 69 or higher are commonly recommended for their ability to provide the strength and durability required for sewing through canvas fabric’s sturdy and dense nature.

Thread Construction

Thread construction plays a pivotal role in enhancing the durability of the sewing project. Threads with a bonded finish feature a protective coating, adding an extra layer of strength and resistance to abrasion. 

Waxed threads, on the other hand, provide strength and increased water resistance. 

This makes them particularly suitable for outdoor applications where exposure to moisture is likely, ensuring that the thread remains intact and functional over an extended period.

Colorfastness

Considering the colorfastness of the thread is crucial, especially for canvas items exposed to sunlight. 

Polyester threads are known for resisting fading over time, maintaining the vibrancy and integrity of the color even under prolonged sun exposure. 

This makes polyester an excellent choice for outdoor canvas projects where color retention is essential.

Needle Size

Choosing an appropriate needle size is essential to match the thickness of the thread. A heavy-duty needle, such as a size 16 or 18, is often recommended for sewing canvas. 

The robust needle ensures that it can penetrate the dense fabric without causing damage to the thread, facilitating a smooth and secure stitching process.

Type of Canvas

The type of canvas being used influences the thread choice. For lightweight canvas, a slightly lighter thread may be suitable, ensuring that the thread complements the fabric without overwhelming it. 

In contrast, heavy-duty or thick canvas requires a more robust thread, providing the necessary strength to hold the layers together securely.

Machine Compatibility

Ensure that the chosen thread is compatible with your sewing machine. Some heavy-duty threads may require a machine with a larger needle and a more robust motor to handle the increased tension. 

Checking compatibility ensures smooth and efficient sewing without compromising the integrity of the thread or the sewing machine.

Project Requirements

Consider the specific demands of your project when selecting a thread. If the canvas item is subjected to significant stress, tension, or harsh environmental conditions, opting for a more robust and durable thread is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the finished product. 

Taking project requirements into account helps tailor the thread choice to meet the unique needs of each sewing endeavor.

Tips on Sewing Canvas for Beginners

Sewing canvas can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor, especially for beginners. Canvas is a sturdy fabric commonly used for various projects, including bags, tents, and upholstery.

To help beginners navigate the process successfully, here are some essential tips on sewing canvas:

Choose the Right Needle

Selecting the appropriate needle is crucial when sewing canvas. A heavy-duty needle with a size ranging from 14 to 18 is recommended for this robust fabric. 

These needles are designed to penetrate the dense canvas weave without breaking, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted stitching. 

Using the correct needle prevents damage to your sewing machine and contributes to clean and precise stitching on canvas.

Use Heavy-Duty Thread

Opting for a robust and durable thread is essential for sewing canvas projects. Threads with a higher weight (denoted by a lower number) are ideal, and a weight of 69 or higher is commonly recommended for heavy fabrics like canvas. 

This ensures that the thread can withstand the weight and stress that canvas items may endure, providing the strength and resilience to prevent premature wear and tear.

Prep the Fabric

Preparing the canvas fabric before sewing is a crucial step that contributes to the overall success of your project. 

Prewashing and ironing the canvas help eliminate any sizing or wrinkles, ensuring a smoother sewing. 

This step is crucial as it helps prevent distortion of the final project, allowing your canvas creation to maintain its shape and integrity over time.

Stabilize Edges

Canvas tends to fray, and stabilizing the edges is essential for a neat and professional finish. Options for edge stabilization include serging, zigzag stitching, or using fray-check.

By reinforcing the edges, you not only prevent unraveling but also make the sewing process more manageable, ensuring the fabric remains secure and well-finished.

Adjust Tension

Due to the thickness of the canvas fabric, adjusting the sewing machine’s tension is necessary. Testing on a scrap piece before starting your project allows you to find the right balance between the upper and lower thread tensions. 

Proper tension adjustments prevent skipped stitches, thread breakage, or uneven stitching, resulting in a more polished and professional-looking final product.

Go Slow and Steady

Sewing canvas requires a slower stitching pace compared to lighter fabrics. Going slow and steady allows the machine to handle the thickness of the canvas without strain. 

It also gives you better control, ensuring accurate stitches and reducing the likelihood of issues such as uneven stitching or fabric bunching. Patience and a measured approach contribute to the success of your canvas sewing project.

Use the Right Presser Foot

Selecting the appropriate presser foot is essential for smoothly feeding thick canvas through the sewing machine. A walking foot or a Teflon foot is handy for this purpose. 

These specialized presser feet prevent slipping and ensure even feeding, facilitating a seamless and hassle-free sewing experience with canvas.

Consider Double Stitching

Consider double stitching to reinforce critical seams and enhance the overall strength of your canvas project. This involves sewing the seam twice in parallel or with a slight offset. 

Double stitching provides extra durability, reducing the likelihood of seam failure and ensuring the longevity of your canvas creation, especially in areas prone to stress or heavy use.

Practice on Scrap Fabric

Before diving into your final canvas project, take the time to practice on a scrap piece of canvas. 

This initial practice allows you to familiarize yourself with the fabric’s unique characteristics and helps you adjust your sewing machine settings accordingly. 

It’s an opportunity to fine-tune your technique, test different stitches, and build confidence in handling canvas. 

Practicing on scrap fabric reduces the risk of mistakes on the project, ensuring a smoother and more successful sewing experience.

Invest in Quality Tools

Quality tools are indispensable for seamless sewing, especially with challenging fabrics like canvas. 

Invest in sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts, reliable measuring tape for accurate dimensions, and sturdy fabric clips that provide a secure hold. 

Having the right tools at your disposal enhances precision, making the entire sewing experience more enjoyable and contributing to the overall success of your canvas project.

Consider Using Clips Instead of Pins

Canvas’s thickness can make it challenging to use traditional pins, which may bend or break. Consider opting for fabric clips to hold layers together during the sewing process. 

These clips provide a secure grip without damaging the fabric and are particularly useful when dealing with multiple layers of canvas. 

Using clips simplifies handling thick fabric, ensuring that your layers stay in place and aligned throughout the sewing process.

Experiment with Stitch Length

Adjusting the stitch length is a valuable technique when sewing canvas. Experimenting with different stitch lengths allows you to find the right balance between strength and appearance. 

Longer stitches may be suitable for temporarily basting or joining fabric layers, while shorter stitches provide extra reinforcement for seams. 

Understanding how stitch length affects the overall outcome helps you tailor your sewing approach to the specific requirements of your canvas project.

Take Breaks

Sewing canvas can be physically demanding due to the thickness of the fabric. Taking breaks is essential to avoid fatigue and maintain focus. 

Regular breaks prevent mistakes caused by tiredness and contribute to a more enjoyable and sustainable sewing experience. 

Stepping away periodically allows you to recharge, ensuring you approach your canvas project with renewed energy and concentration.

Read and Follow Patterns Carefully

If you’re using a pattern for your canvas project, read and follow the instructions meticulously. Patterns often provide specific guidance for handling heavy fabrics like canvas. 

Following these instructions ensures a successful outcome, and it can offer valuable tips and techniques tailored to the intricacies of sewing with canvas. 

Careful pattern interpretation contributes to the precision and accuracy of your final creation.

Practice Patience

Sewing canvas may pose challenges, but cultivating patience is critical to overcoming obstacles and achieving a satisfying result. 

Take your time troubleshooting issues, learning from mistakes, and embracing the learning process. 

With practice, you’ll become more comfortable with the nuances of sewing canvas, and your patience will be rewarded with creating durable and well-crafted projects.

FAQs

What thread weight is recommended for sewing canvas?

For sewing canvas, it’s advisable to use a heavy-duty thread with a weight of 69 or higher. This ensures the necessary strength to withstand canvas fabric’s dense and sturdy nature.

Is polyester or nylon thread better for sewing canvas?

Both polyester and nylon threads are suitable for sewing canvas. Polyester offers resistance to UV rays and moisture, while nylon is known for its high strength and durability. 

Do I need a special needle for sewing canvas?

Yes, it’s recommended to use a heavy-duty needle with a size ranging from 14 to 18 when sewing canvas. 

Can I use regular sewing thread for canvas projects?

It’s best to avoid using regular sewing thread for canvas projects, as it may lack the necessary strength.

To Recap

The choice of thread for sewing canvas plays a pivotal role in determining the success and longevity of your creations. 

Selecting the appropriate thread material, weight, and construction ensures resilience against the challenges of canvas’s dense and robust nature. 

Whether opting for polyester’s strength or nylon’s durability, the thread’s ability to withstand UV rays, moisture, and abrasion is crucial for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. 

Additionally, considering factors like needle size, machine compatibility, and project requirements ensures a harmonious synergy between thread and fabric. 

Crafters can elevate their canvas projects by making informed choices and creating enduring and resilient pieces that stand the test of time.

About Lisa Reitelbach

My name is Lisa. I am a sewing specialist and have been in the sewing industry for over 20 years. I have a degree in fashion design and my work experience includes working with different clothing brands, designing clothes, and teaching people how to sew. LinkedIn

I enjoy making clothes for myself as well as for my friends, family members, and clients. I am always happy to share my knowledge about sewing with anyone who is interested in learning more about it.

Previous Post: « What Thread Is Used To Sew Baseball?
Next Post: What Size Sewing Needle For Tshirt Fabric? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Crochet Moss Stitch FAST in 2 Min? Secrets Here
  • Navy Blue Elegance: What Colour Shirt Goes With Navy Blue Pants?
  • Simple 5 Basic Crochet Stitches: Make 1st Foundation Chain with Us
  • Finding Your Palette: What Color Goes With Everything?
  • Read All About It: What Colours Go With Red Clothes?

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Footer

Quick Navigation

  • Home Page
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Categories

Copyright © 2025 Wayne Arthur Gallery