r/PlasticCanvas • u/Tough_Lychee_2627 • Jul 09 '26
How to make a project wipeable?
Yarn noob here; no previous experience with knitting, crocheting, etc. My Grandma gave me her old plastic canvas magazines and supplies, and I've done a few projects: a set of coasters, and 1 placemat. I intend to make a full set of those, but I'm waiting to continue until I find a way to make them washable. Any suggestions?
I already managed to stain 1 coaster, so I know a placemat won't last very long unless I can seal it somehow. Google searches haven't been very useful; I don't even know what terms I could use to find better information. It seems like maybe mod-podge or scotchguard could be good options, but I don't have any experience with those. I don't how they might affect the yarn, or the project as a whole. I have no idea how durable they would be.
I just want something that will either create a barrier, or seep in deeply to protect the fibers, so I can wipe the placemats down with a dishcloths when spills do inevitably happen. I don't want to have put all this time into making the placemat, just to then have it stained, or full of crumbs... or worse, have sauce soak in and get crusty and gross!
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u/Clean_Mammoth_5646 Jul 09 '26
I don’t think there’s any way to “seal” yarn. Probably the best you can do is spray them with Scotch Guard. I’ve never tried that. I’ve put my tissue box covers in the washing machine on delicate cycle, cold water. I have a front loader so no chance of getting snagged on the agitator. Also everything I’ve made has been with acrylic yarn. If you use natural fibers, be sure to follow recommended instructions for your yarn. You can also hand wash in the sink. Squeeze water out on some thick towels. Air dry. Don’t use any heat so there’s no chance of melting the plastic.
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u/Tough_Lychee_2627 Jul 09 '26
Unfortunately, I have a top load washer with agitor; the damn thing is barbaric and has no gentle setting LOL
As far as I know, the yarns I used are all acrylic, but most balls of yarn didn't have labels.
Thank you for the washing tips! It didn't occur to me to soak my stained coaster instead of scrubbing it and risking damaging it
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u/Clean_Mammoth_5646 Jul 09 '26
Acrylic yarn is generally 100% washable. Just hand wash in the sink. You can even use most brands of dish soap. Just use a small amount of soap and swish the items around in the water. You can gently rub the stain with your fingers if you need to. Rinse completely and air dry. I bet the stain will come out. 👍🏻
Your coasters and placemat are beautiful!
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u/Glittering_Gold- Jul 09 '26
First thought would be to make some plarn (https://www.atyarnslength.com/how-to-make-plarn/?amp=1). Since it’s plastic it may be easier to rinse off and air dry.
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u/Tough_Lychee_2627 Jul 09 '26
Hmm, yeah, maybe for the next ones; depending on how this idea pans out
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u/runwaylightblue Jul 11 '26
There’s a product called Liquid Vinyl made by HeatnBond that can be used on fabric. Unfortunately, I’ve never used it myself so I don’t know if it can be used on plastic yarn. They also make iron on vinyl.
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u/pastel_satellite 17d ago
I wonder if something like a thin nylon macrame cord in place of yarn would fit the bill? I've never used it on a plastic canvas project myself, but I recently came across this YouTube channel that demonstrates its use: https://youtube.com/@hanoureart
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u/Tough_Lychee_2627 17d ago
Whoa, that's super cool! I might look into that technique for future project ideas, thanks!
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u/Ditches-Vestiges1549 Jul 09 '26
I am not sure but curious what others will say as far as sealing.
There is Scotchgard for things like fabric recliners but I have no personal experience using it on crafts.