LINK UPDATED 7/10/12I feel kind of like the wife who got a drill for Christmas by suggesting this as a gift. But on the other hand . . .
How many times have I snagged thread on untaped canvas? How often am I frustrated because I can’t buy a roll of tape from my LNS or it isn’t open or I can’t get down there and end up using masking tape?
So today’s suggestion for a lovely stocking stuffer is artist’s tape, otherwise known as “That White Tape” to put on the edges of your canvas.
This tape is thicker and more solid than masking tape. Like masking tape it is “low tack” meaning it isn’t very sticky. But unlike masking tape, it won’t stain the canvas, nor will the adhesive flake off.
It comes in many widths (I like 1″ best) and even in colors. You can buy it at art supply stores, like Dick Blick ( here’s the link to their page of them).
To make things really nice, I would add a bone folder, used to crease cards and envelopes, which is available at crafts and scrapbook stores. You use this to rub the tape after you’ve put it on the edges to make it really stick. You can also do this with your fingernail, but the bone folder has such a nice feel.
Always rub the tape so that the canvas mesh shows through, otherwise it pops off. Also store it in a dark place as sunlight degrades the adhesive.
It isn’t expensive, it isn’t sexy, it’s just useful and something I’d love to find in my stocking later this week.
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
Amen, sister! I was thrilled to FINALLY find a few rolls at an artists’ supply store. I’ve never actually stitched a canvas that didn’t have taped edges, and I’m dead set against the serging that some shops offer…I like the tape!
Thanks so much for posting this. I’m so tired of using masking tape or painters tape only to have it come off/leave stickiness behind, etc. I didn’t realize I could find this anywhere so much thanks!
What exactly is “that white tape”? I’ve used masking tape. I’ve even used duct tape (my daughter users to use it for various craft projects, so we have a lot of It in in our house and in pretty colors and designs). But recently when tightening my canvas on its frame my canvas ripped. Luckily I was well above my stitching and I had a large margin so I was able to cut it off and retape the side. But now I’m on the hunt for the best tape to secure the unbound sides of my canvas because I don’t want to rip any other canvases and I’m not sure if I could dealt with a canvas that wasn’t really taut. So I would really appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks
The white tape often used by needlepoint shops is artist’s tape. It’s a low-tack tape meaning it isn’t very sticky.
Unlike masking tape, it will not discolor canvas.
You can buy it at art supply shops.
Keep Stitching,
Janet