Learn how to assemble a canvas frame | Learn how to stretch a canvas |
| Lay out the basic stretcher components and mallet. |  |
Select the corresponding sizes of stretcher strips |  |
| Slide two corner pieces together and align mitre for a flush fit. |  |
Fold one side of the canvas over a short end of the frame, and nail or staple at the center of the strip |  |
| Insert second corner pieces together. |  |
Reverse to the opposite side, using canvas pliers to grip the canvas and nail or staple. Repeat on the other side. |  |
| Before adding opposite sides insert cross braces, if you need them. |  |
Work into the corners pulling the canvas taut with canvas pliers. |  |
| Insert another cross brace and the brace tenon into mortise. |  |
To reduce canvas bulk in the corners, first fold as in shown and secure with staple. |  |
| Insert mortise into brace, and connect last corner |  |
Do second fold as shown and secure. |  |
| Gently hammer together all corners and brace joints with a mallet until they are firmly in place and the corners are flush. |  |
Grip the canvas and nail or staple all the remaining corners. |  |
| Insert wedge into corner and then repeat process on the other corner braces. |  |
Insert wedge into corner and then repeat process on the other corner braces. |  |
| The Finished Assembly |  |
The Finished Stretched Artists' Canvas |  |
