Canvas Corners

Since I have been struggling with achieving good corner when I stretch my work over the stretcher bars I thought I share my little tips with you. Maybe that makes stretching art work for somebody out there a little easier. I don't have any special tools except my electric staple gun.

The painted canvas made it difficult for me to turn the corners in a way that I liked. I looked at several books and web sites that sell art material and found good help, but I was still not happy with the result due to the thick-and stiffness of the material. So here is what I do. 

Step 1. Center the art work. I secure the art work with one staple on every side and then make sure the placement is right. You do not want to have to redo all the stapling believe me.

Step 2. Then I start the corners: I first fold excess fabric in two folds to the outside. That gives me a good idea how much to turn under in the next step.

Step 3: Then I turn one corner of the fabric 'under', I hope the picture 'explains' that better than my words can. Make sure the corner is very tight. 

Step 4: Next I staple the other side of the corner down. 

Work your way around the frame always stretch one side and then the side across.