Needlepoint canvas is rough. Unless you protect the edges, your thread can get snagged on them. There are many ways to do these, but the most common is to use artist’s tape, AKA “that white tape” (read about it here).
If you are taping just for yourself, you probably cut off a length of tape, place the canvas partway on it, and then fold over the remaining tape. After cutting off the excess at the ends, I use a bone folder to make the seal secure.
But this method is too slow if you have lots of canvases to tape, or need to tape often, as shops and teachers do.
They use a nifty machine called and edge binder. You can learn about it in a post by Debbie Rowley of Debbie’s Designs.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I do not like the usual tape used to cover the edge of canvas, so I use cotton bias tape and sew it on by hand or sewing machine…..I also use this tape to park my threaded needles while I am stitching and also use this tape to store my needles when I have finished stitching for the day
Where could I purchase branded tape for an edge binder machine?
I believe a wholesale distributor, Fleur de Paris, sells this. Minimum quantities are a dozen. You might also try a Google search for custom printed artist’s tape to find other sources.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Where can I buy this machine?
Last I heard the machines for taping canvas were no longer made.
Keep stitching,
Janet