How do I assemble stretcher bars into a needlepoint frame?
Begin by measuring your canvas and buying stretcher bars the closest length to the dimensions. If your canvas is slightly larger than the nearest inch, dont worry about it. By taping the edges of the canvas, you shouldnt have problems with threads catching. If it is slightly smaller, try using standard bars, their wider width often takes care of this. If it will not, see the section below for ways to enlarge the canvas for mounting. Most stretcher bars have interlocking ends which fit together easily. • Begin by taking one bar from each of your pairs. Interlock the ends so that they make a joint with flat edges on each side. • Push the bars together to form a corner. Sometimes this is easy, sometimes hard. If it is hard, either wiggle the bars to make them fit, or hammer them do that they come together in a tight corner with flat edges. • Take a third bar and put it onto the opposite end from the other side of the same length. Fit the corners together. • Repeat the process for the four
