Make miniature cross stitch models to build your very own scenic beach haven with a clever set of 3D plastic canvas patterns, designed by Fiona Baker in The World of Cross Stitching magazine.
We're taking a closer look at the turkey work roof of the beach bar to show you exactly how it's done. Follow our step by step how to guide below or watch the handy tutorial video to learn turkey stitch today.
You'll find the cross stitch patterns to make the beach bar, plus a beach hut and snack shack, in The World of Cross Stitching issue 348 (August 2024). Order online for delivery whilst stocks last, or download a digital issue today.
If you are new to cross stitching we have lots of helpful resources available – first learn how to cross stitch with our easy guide.
Once you've mastered the basics, other stitches, like turkey work (also known as turkey stitch), can be used to add fun thread effects alongside cross stitch. Here it is used to add a textured straw 'thatch’ effect to the roof of the beach bar model.
You can also learn how to overstitch and whipstitch for making 3D models in our ultimate guide to plastic canvas.
What you'll need to make the beach bar roof
- 14-count clear plastic canvas
- Stranded cottons
- Size 24 tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Project patterns (from issue 348 of The World of Cross Stitching magazine)
Turkey work tutorial video
Watch our turkey stitch video tutorial or scroll down to follow the step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the beach bar roof for this fun 3D project:
Step 1
Once you’ve finished the cross stitch outline on the roof pattern pieces, thread your needle with 5 strands of straw coloured thread (we used DMC 677). Ensure the length is long enough to complete a whole row of turkey stitches.
Starting at the left of the very bottom turkey stitch line as indicated on the chart, take your needle through the first hole from front to back (1), leaving a 2.5cm (1in) tail of thread at the front. Bring the needle up through the adjacent hole to the left (2), then back down again through the hole to the right of your original (3). This is your first locking stitch.
Step 2
Bring your needle back up through the original hole (1) again to the front and, leaving a 2.5cm (1in) loop of thread, take it back down two holes to the right (4). Make sure your loop doesn’t pull all the way through.
Step 3
Bring your needle back up through the hole to the left (5), and down two holes to the right (6), creating another locking stitch across the top of your loop.
Step 4
Continue this pattern of stitches until you reach the end of the line. Then bring the needle through to the front in the hole of the last loop, and snip off to the same length as all the other loops.
Step 5
Repeat this process to complete the first seven rows, adjusting the length of the loops so they all line up along the bottom. This will create a mass of loops that increase in length each row.
Step 6
On the eighth row, revert to creating a new row of stitches with 2.5cm (1in) loops. Work the next seven rows as you did previously so that they all appear to the same length as this one. Then complete the last seven rows using the same process. This creates three distinct layers of stitches, to create the look of the thatched straw.
Step 7
Snip through all the loops one by one, being careful not to miss any. Comb through the threads to fluff them up slightly and separate the individual strands for the best finish.
Step 8
Trim each layer into a rough curve, angling the scissors slightly to get a natural overlapping straw-effect. You may find it easier to give the layers a final trim after all the roof panels have been joined together, to ensure they’re the same length. Repeat this process for all six roof panels.
Refer to the instructions in issue 348 (August 2024) of The World of Cross Stitching magazine to construct your finished bar and other beach models.
Stitching on plastic canvas
Plastic canvas is a durable material used for many needlecrafts, including cross stitching and embroidery. The small uniform round holes form a grid pattern through which you stitch, just like the holes on aida fabric. Stitching on plastic canvas is very simple – it’s a great material for beginners to use, as it’s easy to see and count the holes.
Download free cake topper patterns to make more fun crafts using plastic canvas.
Enjoy 3D cross stitch?
If you enjoyed making these fun 3D cross stitch models, look out for more designs on plastic canvas to create, like these handy colourful box patterns designed by Tiny Modernist. You'll also find a series of fun 3D Christmas decorations on Gathered, designed by Heather Nugent, including a free fun elf pattern to download.
Make more 3D cross stitch models
Add to your 3D model collection with a fun plastic canvas Christmas village – there's nine designs to complete the scene including a school house, bakery, church, town hall, toy shop, log cabin, houses and more. Each part is available to download as a digital PDF pattern to start stitching today in The World of Cross Stitching Etsy store.
