How to stitch on to waste canvas

As seen in Cross Stitcher

Waste canvas is a great way to stitch on to everyday items and once you try using it we promise you won't look back – just follow the easy step-by-step guide to get started. With a little practice you can add cross-stitched touches to sheets and pillowcases, cushions, teatowels or clothing. Change the colours to use up odd bits of thread and buy ordinary, plain bedlinen for a new look that won't cost the earth!

Step 1 Allow an extra 4cm around your design and cut the waste canvas to size. Line up the waste canvas threads with the grain of your fabric using the horizontal blue threads to help and tack the canvas securely on to your fabric.	Step 2 Start your thread with a waste knot and bring your needle up through the centre of the waste canvas block, taking care not to pierce the canvas threads.
Step 3 Once complete, remove your tacking threads and trim the excess canvas leaving at least 1.5cm of canvas around the design. Dampen the area with a little water to help dissolve the adhesive coating on the canvas.	Step 4 To remove the waste canvas threads, gently pull each thread individually. Use a pair of tweezers to help and keep them low to the fabric to prevent your stitching being distorted.