Canvas Stretching

[blueteatowel]

Wondering if anyone has stretched their own canvases onto a frame. I received a quote of nearly £90 to stretch a small canvas of 52/35 cm. I have several to do and my favourite is a whopping 116/83 cm.

If anyone has done please can you let me know where the materials can be purchased plus level of difficulty. I'm relatively handy but would struggle if it's super skilled work....which is what the quote suggested to me.

Thanks

Ive done it for embroidery, not sure if the same thing works work on painting canvas? There are loads of how to info online. I use embroidery thread to sew a seam down each side of the canvas. Then use that to lace the two opposite sides together across some stiff cardboard the same size as my design, then every day tighten the lacing a little.

Thanks Kitkat. How easy/difficult do you estimate?

I stretch canvases for painting on. What are on the canvases you’d like to stretch?
If they are already painted, you will need to be very careful or you can damage the surface.
You can order a wooden frame to size, or buy wood and cut it and make it yourself.
I imagine their are lots of ‘how to’ videos on YouTube, but essentially you would lay the frame into the back of the canvas, start in the middle of one of the longest sides, staple gun it in place, and then work from there. The corners get tucked in at the end.

Thanks Things, really helpful.
Yes, they are already painted. I've just ordered some wooden frames and will have YouTube by my side but as you have highlighted, I am a bit concerned about damaging the painting. I've got a less loved canvas to practice with first.