How to Machine Embroidery on Canvas: Step By Step Guide

Have you ever tried to do machine embroidery on canvas fabric and found it challenging? Canvas is a tough material, and if you’re not careful, your designs might not turn out as expected.

Don’t worry!

In this article, you’ll learn all about how to embroider on canvas, including the tools you’ll need and the best techniques to use them.

Let’s dive in and discover how fun and easy it can be to do canvas embroidery!

Materials Needed for Machine Embroidery on Canvas

Here are the essential items needed for machine embroidery:

Canvas Fabric
Embroidery Machine
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery Thread
Stabilizer
Embroidery Design Pattern
Scissors
Embroidery Hoop
Adhesive Spray (optional)

Before you start, it’s important to understand each material you’ll use. Let’s go over them one by one so you know exactly what to choose for your canvas embroidery.

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1. Canvas Fabric

There are three main types of canvas materials commonly used for machine embroidery. Each type has its characteristics:

Types of Canvas	Description	Pros	Cons
Cotton Duck Canvas	It is a heavy, plain-woven cotton fabric. This canvas is ideal for machine embroidery due to its dense weave and sturdy nature.	High durability Supports detailed designs Prevents embroidery from puckering	Less color variety compared to other fabrics
Linen Canvas	Made from the fibers of the flax plant, offers a naturally elegant texture that enhances the aesthetic of embroidered items.	Eco-friendly option Good for high-end products	More expensive than cotton
Polyester Canvas	Synthetic fabric that combines durability and flexibility. It’s often used for outdoor and functional items.	Water-resistant and durable Maintains color vibrancy	Can give a synthetic feel

Which type of canvas is best for machine embroidery? We would say “Cotton Duck Canvas.” Because its smooth and tight weave makes it easy to work on.

You can stitch detailed designs without worrying about the material bunching up or the threads snagging. This makes it a favorite for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. It is typically available at prices ranging from $10 to $20 per yard, depending on the weight and quality.

2. Embroidery Machine

For embroidering on canvas fabric, you need a machine that is robust enough to handle the heavier, denser material.

For Home Users

Brother SE600 stands out with its 4” x 4” embroidery area, which is perfect for smaller projects like canvas art. It also comes with 80 built-in designs and an LCD touchscreen, making it easy to select and customize designs.

The Janome Memory Craft 500E offers a 7.9” x 11” embroidery field, ideal for larger canvas pieces, and 160 built-in designs, allowing for more creative options.

For Commercial Users

Brother PR1055X is a powerhouse with its 10-needle setup, enabling you to work with multiple thread colors without changing spools. It also features a large embroidery area of 14” x 8”, perfect for bigger canvas projects.

The Bernina E 16 is another top choice with its 1,400 stitches per minute speed, allowing for faster production, and a 16-needle system, providing flexibility for complex designs.

If you want to read about which machines can easily handle thick fabrics, and which factors should be considered when buying a machine, click here.

3. Embroidery Needles

Canvas is a bit tougher than other fabrics, so you need a needle that can handle that without breaking.

For machine embroidery on stretched canvas, it’s best to use a sharp embroidery needle. These needles are strong and have a sharp point, which is perfect for piercing through the thick canvas fabric.

Size Recommendations: If you ask about a specific needle size that would be best, we recommend using either 75/11 or 90/14.

Important Tip: Always make sure to have a few extra needles on hand just in case one breaks during a project. Another important tip is to change your needle regularly. If you use the same needle for too long, it can get dull. A dull needle can make your stitches look messy and can even damage your fabric.

4. Embroidery Thread

For machine embroidery on canvas, it’s best to use a thread that is both strong and can handle the heavy texture of the material.

What Thread Should You Use For Machine Embroidery On Canvas? Polyester thread is a top choice due to its strength, durability, and resistance to fading and abrasion, making it suitable for items that might be exposed to harsh conditions or frequent handling.

Alternatively, heavy-duty cotton thread can also be used for a natural look, especially if the embroidery is more decorative and won’t be subject to intense wear and tear.

To learn how to select the right thread for your machine embroidery projects, click on the link.

5. Stabilizer

A cut-away stabilizer is best for canvas because it remains with the fabric and continues to provide support even after the project is complete.

Cut-away stabilizers prevent the design from warping or puckering over time, which is essential for a material as heavy as canvas.

For more details on which machine embroidery stabilizer to use and how to use it for your projects, read our blog.

6. Embroidery Design Pattern

When selecting a design for machine embroidery on canvas, consider the following:

Choose designs with bold, simple lines that will stand out on the textured canvas surface. Intricate, delicate designs may get lost.
Opt for designs with larger fills and satin stitches rather than too many small details.
Select designs that complement the casual, durable nature of the canvas. Floral, geometric, and typographic designs work well.
Consider the end use of the embroidered canvas piece. For example, a tote bag may suit a different design than a wall-hanging.

We recommend outsourcing your embroidery design needs to save time and guarantee quality. If you’re looking for high-quality digitizing services, ZDigitizing is your best choice. We offer designs at half the market price, ensuring top-notch quality.

Whether you need a design perfect for canvas or any other material, just let us know your requirements, and we’ll customize it for you. You can also visit our online store where we have over 1000 pre-made designs at incredibly low prices.

If you need any changes to these designs, we can accommodate that too! Contact us today. Plus, if it’s your first order, we have great news—you’ll get 50% off!

Now, the remaining tools such as scissors and an embroidery hoop that you already have on hand. If you don’t have adhesive spray, don’t worry—it’s optional, and you can still proceed successfully with your embroidery project.

6 Steps Process of Machine Embroidery on Canvas

Embroidering on canvas can give you beautiful, durable results. Here’s how you can do it step by step.

Step 1: Select and Prepare the Canvas

First, choose the right type of canvas. Cotton Duck Canvas is highly recommended as previously mentioned because it’s smooth and stable, perfect for embroidery.

Prepare the canvas by ironing it to remove any wrinkles or folds. This ensures that your embroidery surface is smooth and ready for stitching.

Step 2: Apply the Stabilizer

Next, apply the stabilizer to the back of your canvas. If necessary, use an adhesive spray to help the stabilizer stick to the fabric, making it easier to manage during the embroidery process.

Step 3: Hooping the Canvas

Place the stabilized canvas into the embroidery hoop. Ensure the fabric is taut but not overstretched.

Important Tip: The stabilizer should lie flat against the canvas to avoid any shifting during embroidery.

Secure the hoop in place, making sure the canvas is centered and properly aligned.

Step 4: Prepare the Embroidery Machine for Canvas

Inserting the Needle: Install the needle recommended earlier, typically a size 90/14 or 100/16 sharp needle, depending on the thickness of your canvas. This ensures the needle can penetrate the heavy fabric without breaking.
Threading the Machine: To thread the machine, simply feed the thread along the machine’s guided path and through the needle.

Loading the Design: Import your embroidery design into the machine. If you’ve had your digitized design from us, you don’t need to make any adjustments. We optimize your design specifically for canvas, ensuring it fits perfectly and stitches correctly.

Step 5: Start the Embroidery Process

Lastly, start the embroidery process by selecting the appropriate settings on your machine. Ensure the machine is set to the correct stitch type and speed for canvas.

Watch the embroidery closely to ensure everything is going smoothly. If you notice any problems, such as thread tension issues or skipped stitches, address them promptly to avoid damaging your project.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the embroidery is complete, trim away any excess stabilizer from the back of the canvas. Clean up any loose threads and ensure the back of the canvas is as neat as the front.

Advanced Tips for Machine Embroidery on Canvas Successfully

To achieve the best results when stretched canvas machine embroidery, consider these advanced tips to ensure your projects turn out perfectly:

Increase the stitch length to avoid perforating the canvas excessively
Adjust thread tension to suit the thickness of the canvas and thread type
To prevent the stabilizer from showing through the canvas, use a stabilizer brush to gently remove any excess stabilizer fibers. This helps achieve a neater look and ensures that the final product looks professional

What Type of Project is Ideal for Machine Embroidery on Canvas?

Machine embroidery on canvas opens up a variety of project possibilities due to the fabric’s durability and versatility.

Here are some ideal project types for machine embroidery on canvas:

Home Decor Items

Wall Art: Create stunning pieces by embroidering designs on canvas and framing them. This can include personalized quotes, artwork, or themed decorations.
Pillows: Embroider designs on canvas fabric to make unique throw pillows that add character to your living space.

Functional Items

Tote Bags: Use canvas to create sturdy and stylish tote bags. Embroidered designs can personalize them for gifts or everyday use.
Placemats and Table Runners: Embroidered canvas makes for durable and washable table settings, perfect for adding a decorative touch to dining areas.

Apparel and Accessories

Patches: Create embroidered patches that can be sewn onto clothing, bags, or hats. This is a great way to repair items while adding a custom touch.
Chair Covers: Personalize chair backs or seats with embroidered designs, making them both functional and decorative.

Gifts and Keepsakes

Birth Announcements: Embroider special occasions like birth announcements on canvas to create memorable keepsakes that can be displayed.
Custom Hot Mitts: Stitch designs onto canvas to create unique hot mitts, combining functionality with personalized flair.

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Final Thoughts: Give Machine Embroidery on Canvas a Try!

Now that you know the steps to canvas machine embroidery, why not give it a try yourself?

We’ve walked you through the process to make it as easy as possible, and if you need help with designing, we’re here for you. At ZDigitizing, we offer high-quality digitizing services at affordable prices with a fast turnaround time.

Plus, if it’s your first time, you can get 50% off your first order! So, don’t wait—take advantage of this offer and start your embroidery project today.

Once you’ve finished your project, we’d love to see the results—share them with us and let us know how it went. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment; we’re here to help.

And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit.

FAQs

What is machine embroidery on canvas?

It involves using a sewing machine to stitch decorative designs onto a durable canvas fabric. This technique adds a personalized touch to various canvas items like tote bags, wall art, and more.

What kind of canvas is suitable for machine embroidery?

Heavyweight, tightly woven canvas is best for machine embroidery as it provides the necessary support and durability. Avoid thin or loosely woven canvases that might not hold the embroidery well.

What type of thread should I use for machine embroidery on canvas?

Use polyester or rayon embroidery threads for vibrant, long-lasting results. These threads are strong and flexible, making them ideal for the durability required in canvas projects.

Do I need to use stabilizer when embroidering on canvas?

Yes, using a stabilizer is crucial to prevent the canvas from stretching or puckering during embroidery. A cut-away or tear-away stabilizer works well to keep the fabric stable and support the design.