How to Continental Stitch

The continental stitch is the main and most fundamental stitch used in plastic canvas designs.

Worked diagonally over one square, continental stitches can be worked in a solid color or various colors to create a beautiful design or background. Continental stitches are used to fill in large areas with color. Solid continental stitching on a piece of plastic canvas makes the project more durable and will minimize warping of the plastic canvas.

1. Leaving a 1-inch end and working in horizontal rows, bring needle up at the lower left hole of the canvas (1). Take needle down at upper right hole (2) forming a diagonal stitch that slants to the right.
2. Continue to work diagonal stitches in this manner, coming up at odd numbers and going down at even numbers.
3. Stitch first row from right to left and the second row from left to right, and so on.
4. When stitching is completed, weave end under 8-10 stitches; trim yarn end.

How to Work Alternating Continental Stitches

Alternating continental stitches are worked in a similar fashion as continental stitches, but are worked in alternating directions forming an upside down “V.”