Cross Stitch on Clothes: How to use soluble canvas

DMC Soluble Canvas is the perfect way to add cross stitch designs to clothes, bags, hats etc. The canvas is used in a very similar way to aida fabric. It's quicker and easier to use than waste canvas, but pricier so I'm focusing on making the most of the fairly small piece of canvas you get.

There are 3 ways to attach your canvas to the fabric/clothing. Please note, the canvas is not sticky.

1.Cut out desired canvas size and tack to the fabric (no hoop)

2.Cut out desired canvas size and tack onto hooped fabric.

3.Use a piece of canvas larger than the hoop, and hoop both the canvas and fabric together, making them both drum tight (see photo below). If both the canvas and fabric are drum tight, the stitches are less likely to distort.

If using method 1 or 2, the canvas is more likely to move or lift up slightly. You may need to apply slight pressure with your non stitching hand.

Denim is thick and stays put well, if you are using a thinner fabric you may wish to use some interface or stabiliser beneath the fabric to create a firmer sewing base.

Sew onto the canvas in exactly the same way you would on aida. To keep your stitches even, make sure you are lining up your needle directly through the centre of each hole.

Cross stitch needles are blunt, which makes it harder to penetrate certain fabrics. For denim I use an embroidery needle, which is sharp. I use John James Pebble Embroidery needles.

Complete your design as you usually would on standard aida fabric.

Remove the hoop and cut away the larger piece of canvas, leaving a small section. Remember we are trying to use the canvas conservatively as we don't get much!

Cut away as much canvas as you can. Now soak this area in warm water for 5-10 minutes, or run under a tap. When the canvas is dissolving it becomes jelly-like, you may wish to agitate the area by gently rubbing it to help the process. Leave to dry naturally or iron on the reverse (always follow care instructions).

With small designs, like the strawberries shown, it is possible to recreate a number of designs from one piece of canvas, by hooping it carefully and using all the space cleverly.

Use the canvas for one large design, or for multiple small designs. I managed to sew 6/7 strawberries from one sheet of canvas. Get Strawberries Pattern

Strawberries pattern