Stretcher bars come in packs of two and keep your canvas taut while you stitch, which helps maintain even tension and prevents distortion. Assemble the bars into a frame the same size (2 of the length and 2 for the width) or slightly smaller than your canvas and center your design over the frame.
Fold the canvas edges over the bars and secure them using brass tacks. We recommend using a small mallet to gently hammer the tacks in, gently pulling the canvas taut and working evenly on opposite sides to keep the tension balanced. The canvas should feel firm like a tabletop, not overstretched. Stitching on a taut canvas is easier on your hands and leads to a cleaner finished piece.
