Quick answer
Work the Rainbow Love Lock on 13 mesh from the lock body outward, keep the rainbow bands distinct, and finish the canvas as a key charm so the included charm sits flush against the bound edge.
Why 13 mesh changes your thread and stitch choices
13 mesh has larger holes than 18 mesh, so each stitch covers more surface and shows more thread texture. Choose threads that fill the canvas without bulging: a strand count that leaves a little canvas visible at the intersections usually looks cleaner than a packed stitch. If you are used to 18 mesh, test a single rainbow band on a scrap corner first and compare the coverage before committing to the full canvas.
The lock body and the rainbow bands often read as two different textures in the design. You can use one stitch for the lock and a contrasting stitch for the bands, but keep the scale consistent with 13 mesh so neither area overwhelms the other.
When to stitch the key charm as you go
The key charm is a separate piece, and the canvas edge needs to be sturdy enough to hold it. Decide early whether you will bind the edge with stitching or a fabric backing, because that choice affects how much unstitched canvas you leave around the perimeter. Leaving a consistent margin of bare canvas gives you room to finish without stitching into the area that will be turned or bound.
If you plan to gift the charm, stitch the canvas first and attach the charm last so the metal does not catch your working thread.
Step-by-step stitching plan
- 1. Check the canvas and plan your margins: Unroll the canvas and identify the painted lock body, the rainbow bands, and the area where the key charm will attach. Mark a consistent bare-canvas margin around the design before you thread a needle. Common mistake: stitching too close to the edge, which leaves no room to bind or back the charm. Measure the margin twice; it is hard to add canvas back later.
- 2. Test thread coverage on a scrap area: Stitch a small sample of your chosen thread on a corner or scrap canvas of the same 13 mesh count. Adjust the number of strands until the thread covers the canvas without gaps or bulk. Common mistake: assuming 18 mesh strand counts will behave the same on 13 mesh. Keep the test sample; it is your reference if you run out of thread mid-project.
- 3. Stitch the lock body first: Work the lock body in your chosen stitch, starting from the center and moving outward to keep the canvas from distorting. Use a tension that lets the thread sit on the surface rather than pulling the holes closed. Common mistake: pulling too tight, which narrows the 13 mesh holes and makes later stitches harder to place. Check the canvas lies flat after every few rows; if it cups, loosen tension.
- 4. Stitch the rainbow bands in order: Fill each rainbow band one color at a time, following the painted lines. Keep the boundary between colors crisp by ending stitches on the same side of the canvas thread. Common mistake: blending colors at the edges, which muddies the rainbow effect on a design where distinct bands are the point. Work from one side of the rainbow to the other so you do not drag threads across finished bands.
- 5. Finish the canvas edge for the key charm: Bind or back the canvas edge according to your chosen finishing method, leaving the attachment point for the key charm accessible. Attach the included charm last, after any blocking or pressing. Common mistake: attaching the charm before blocking, which can leave the metal off-center or damaged. Test the charm placement before you secure it permanently.
Product facts
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Rainbow Love Lock - Needlepoint Canvas + Key Charm (Wholesale): The Rainbow Love Lock is a hand-painted canvas that includes a key charm, inspired by the tradition of fastening a lock to a bridge and tossing away the key. The included charm means you do not need to source separate hardware, but you should plan the finishing edge around its attachment point.
Rainbow Love Lock - Needlepoint Canvas + Key Charm (Wholesale)