How to Fix the Shape of your Needlepoint Canvas – Needlepoint Problem

Updated September 18, 2020.
You think the canvas is simply adorable, you love everything about it — except the shape. At one time, I would have passed the canvas by, but did you know that you can often “fix” the shape of the canvas?

Today I’ll look at two cases and then give you general instruction for fixing them.

Fixing the Solid Outline

The simplest case is one where the changed outline will just have background.

You can see the original canvas below.

It had a domed top. I wanted the finished piece to be rectangular. To do so, I just took an extra-fine marker made for fabric (Pigma Microns are my favorite) and extended the top side first to near the sides, then extended the sides to near the top. Finally, I joined the sides.

Depending on the stitch and color of your background, you may want to color your new canvas areas. The critical aspect of doing this is to find a color close to the needed background color. It’s not necessary, but the darker the background color, the more important it is to do this.

For this, you need either acrylic paint or markers made for fabric. If you aren’t an artist you may find craft paints or Copic markers your best choice. Craft paints are inexpensive and because many companies make them, there are many colors available. Copic markers are alcohol-based markers often used to draw Manga. They come in a wide variety of colors and can be blended. They are also translucent so you can do several layers to make the color darker.

I used a Copic maker for my corners and got an almost perfect match.

Whatever method you use to color in the background, let the whole thing dry overnight to make it permanent.

Outline with a design in it

I got a charming Mindy mini-sock at a guild auction. I love the colors, but the toe doesn’t match the mini-socks I have. It’s too narrow. This is the case with many of her earlier mini-socks, like the one pictured here.

Because the stocking has an overall design, I can’t just draw the outline and go.

The process begins the same way, by drawing the outline with an extra-fine marker.

Once this is done, step back and look at your design. See if there are lines that would continue in the new area or if there are already-painted areas that match the edge of the new area.

Based on these observations, thread up your needle and stitch. Stitch line by line, parking your needle after each line and looking at it. You could even put it away for several months and add a bit more later.

Because I stitched instead of drew, I did not color my new area. If you want to paint, draw instead of stitch, then color.

Easy Outline Enlargement

To change the outline of a canvas, do this before you start to stitch.

1. Draw your new outline with extra-fine markers made for marking fabric.
2. If a solid area, color it with paints or Copic markers if desired.
3. If there will be a pattern or lines in it, stitch or draw the design based on the existing area.
4. If you have stitched the design in the new area, do not attempt to color.

Try it, you’ll love how easy it is to make your needlepoint fit your planned finish!