Selecting Canvas for Fleece Prodded Rugs:
Rug canvas can be purchased in a variety of sizes. 3.75 Graph ‘N Latch Rug Canvas made by M.C.G. Textiles works well. I purchased it from my local craft store, it can also be found online and in many sewing stores.

Joining Canvas:
Can’t find a canvas large enough? Two or more canvases can be joined together to get the size needed. Joining should be done before prodding is started.

Start by cutting the edges of the canvas straight, removing any selvages. The holes on the edge of each canvas should be surrounded by mesh on all four sides. If edges are trimmed too closely to the holes, the canvas will start to unravel.

Before transferring the pattern to the canvas, the canvases will need to be laid out as you plan to join them, overlapping the canvases by six rows. Binding will be easier if joins are kept away from the corners of the rug. Once the canvases have been laid out, the pattern can be transferred, leaving two rows of holes empty along the outside edges for binding.

Once the hem has been trimmed, place a dot of white glue at each joint in the mesh along the outside edge to prevent the canvas from unraveling. Allow to dry.

To sew canvases together, overlap both canvases by six rows and match up the holes. Using heavy duty thread, slip stitch both canvases together, placing one stitch in each hole of the canvases and sew around all four raw edges. I have purchased Coats Extra Strong Upholstery Thread from my local craft store. It works well for this, but any strong thread will work. Note that it’s important that the holes are matched as you will need to prod through both layers of canvas.

Once the canvases have been sewn together, the binding can be sewn on and you are ready to start prodding! For instructions on binding a fleece prodded rug, see the links below.
Buy Graph N' Latch Rug Canvas W/Grid 30X36 3.75 Mesh from Amazon.com