Tips & Tricks

Stretcher Bars or Not?

Any project can be created by stitching a canvas without mounting the canvas.  This makes it easier to travel with your project.  But, I have found that using a firm canvas results is a crisper appearance whether you are basketweaving or using decorative stitches.

There are two ways to mount your canvas.  One is on a roller frame and the other is on stretcher bars.

Roller frames are more expensive and a little more clumsy to carry around, but are easier to adjust when your canvas “relaxes”.  You just need to twist the top or bottom roller.

Stretcher bars are easy and inexpensive.  They are sold in pairs from 4” up to 24” and usually ¾” in thickness.  For small projects ½” thick stretcher bars work a little better.
They are made of soft pine to easily accommodate needlecraft thumb tacks.  Heat and humidity will relax your canvas and may require you to remount your canvas to retighten.

There is another type of stretcher bar which allows you to tighten your canvas without having to remove it.  They are adjustable 4 ways to compensate for fabric sag both vertically and horizontally.   The adjustment mechanism is fully enclosed within each bar.   Adjustment is made with a “T” tool, so you can easily tighten or loosen your fabric as needed.  These are available by special order.

 Deliveries with a Smile is the motto of our favorite UPS carrier, Vern.  It doesn't matter if it's the hottest or coldest day of the year, our packages always arrive with a smile and concern for how we're doing.  So, it was only natural that our shopping center would host a birthday party for Vern.  We gave him the UPS topper from The Studio Midwest with the promise we would stitch and finish it.....and we did.