AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
Expert: Henry Babcock Date: 9/2/2007 Subject: repairing cut canvas
Question I bought a lovely Canvasworks 12 mono canvas on eBay that someone had started. It was done in loud purple, green and orange silks threads (not even the painted colors), so I unpicked the stitches with a stitch picker. In about four places, I also accidentally cut the canvas. Is there any way to mend these so they don't unravel or can I just carefully stitch over them? I usually do basketweave.
Thanks
Answer Meg,
I've had the exact same thing happen to me when removing stitching to correct errors and whatnot.
It's not too hard to correct this problem. I've done it several times, and the results are undetectable in the finished piece.
You will need to take one of the canvas threads from the edge of the canvas and reweave some of it right alongside any canvas thread that is cut. You can use a needle to weave the new thread in (use a long piece and just cut it after you've woven it in). Pay close attention to the over-under pattern and duplicate that with the new thread. Start the new thread about an inch away from the cut and weave it to about an inch past the cut thread.
After the new threads are woven in, you just stitch over the area normally. Just pay attention when going over the repaired area and you should have no problem.
