How to Cross Stitch a Key Chain with Plastic Canvas

I was wandering around Pinterest, as one does, and I saw a picture of cross-stitched keychains.

I started looking for more, and found some that looked like kits where there was a plastic part that surrounded the cross-stitch fabric, and others that were worked on plastic canvas.

There didn’t seem to be a lot of patterns out there, but I did find a nice tutorial for how to stitch on plastic canvas and make a robot keychain on Sugaridoo.

She uses yarn to make a nice full design, but you can also use regular cross-stitch thread for this purpose.

And of course it’s easy to stitch whatever design you like once you have the basics down. It’s a great way to personalize your keys and a simple gift for anyone on your list.

[Photo: Sugaridoo.]

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish yourself as a cross stitch designer. Most designers do holiday designs, they often do florals, have text designs that are a little snarky. But if you can find a niche you love and people can come to know you for it, that’s a great strategy.

I don’t know if the designer behind Living on the Rainbow originally set out to do really cool three dimensional cross stitch patterns, but that’s a lot of what’s available in their shop and I think it’s super fun.

There is, for example, a whole set of Christmas village patterns that are assembled in a circle and topped with fabric that makes them look sort of like carousels. There are three dimensional mushroom houses, tiny stitched books, and spring themed designs including 3D eggs, teapots and bird houses.

Some of my favorites are the tiny campers, like this Gothic caravan that looks like something Beetlejuice himself would ride around in. The cross stitch portion features Gothic windows on the sides and back, a striped top and vampire fangs on the front. It’s finished with button wheels, bats and bat wings in the photos, but you can add whatever accessories you like to bring your caravan to life.

It’s shown on 18 count fabric and comes out to about 1.8 by 2 inches, or 4.5 by 5.5 cm. It’s stitched in three pieces that are assembled and stuffed, and the pattern includes instructions for how to do that. It’s meant to be a pincushion but would be delightful as an ornament as well.

There are also designs that are assembled as cubes, some of which are seasonal while others have themes like different crafts. There’s also a stunning section of Alice in Wonderland patterns you’ll want to check out.

In addition to the dimensional designs, there are some more conventional Halloween patterns, a series of mini ghosts, Christmas themed patterns that look like envelopes, and a few Christmas patterns, too.

Do yourself a favor and go check out Living on the Rainbow. Even if you never stitch any of the projects (though I’d love to know if you do!) they’re sure to make you smile.

[Photo: Living on the Rainbow]

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