Stretching Canvas

Stretching Your Own Canvas To assemble and craft your own canvas requires only the use of a few tools. This method is more economical than purchasing pre-stretched canvas, plus it’s easy to create custom sizes. Besides the canvas itself, you will need stretcher bars, canvas pliers and a heavy-duty stapler. Stretcher bars are wooden frames available in different lengths to which the canvas is attached. Begin by fitting four stretcher bars together to form the desired size square or rectangular frame. Cut your canvas at least 1-1/2" to 2" bigger than the frame on all sides (preferably 3" to 4" bigger) to account for overlap around the stretcher frame. Lay the canvas down on a large, clean flat surface like the floor. Place the frame down in the middle of the canvas. Fold one side of the canvas onto the frame, and staple it once in the center. Fold and staple the opposite side, then the remaining sides, using canvas pliers to pull the canvas taut as you work. Once all the sides have been tacked in place, continue to add staples working out from the center, stopping when you are close to the corner. When all sides are completely stapled, it is time to finish the corners. Pull one corner of the canvas taut and staple it to the corner of the frame. Then smooth the flaps and staple them down. Complete the remaining corners the same way. This will create tight, neat corners.