Tracing Paper to Trace Canvas?

Updated June 11, 2021.
The simple answer is NO, not ever, never.

I got this question recently from a reader.

This is the right way to transfer a design to canvas:

No you do not use tracing paper, the material in it will rub off and discolor your threads.

Here’s what you do:

1. Trace the outlines of your design on the paper with a black marker so it is easy to see through the canvas.
2. Place the canvas on top of the design. If it’s hard to see, tape the design, then the canvas to a window or lightbox. It’s easy to find inexpensive USB lightboxes on Amazon.
3. Using a permanent marker made for making on fabric (I like Pigma Microns from Sakura myself & they are widely available), trace the lines of the canvas.
4. Let sit overnight to dry completely before stitching.

You can see the steps used to do this in my illustrated tutorial.

I did lots of testing of potential canvas markers and wrote this post about them. I have used other markers and any marker can have the formula for the ink change and no longer be suitable for needlepoint. It’s good to test from time to time.

A final note: Never use anything to mark on canvas that isn’t waterproof, made for fabric, or tested. Always let dry overnight because many things become waterproof only after they dry completely.