- Stretcher bar
A stretcher bar is used to construct a wooden stretcher frame used by
artist s to mount theircanvas es. They are traditionally a wooden framework support on which an artist fastens a piece of canvas. They are also used for small-scaleembroidery to provide steady tension, affixing the edges of the fabric with push-pins or a staple gun before beginning to sew, and then removing it from the stretcher when the work is complete. Stretchers are usually in the shape of arectangle , althoughshaped canvas es are also possible.Since a stretcher is simply a frame, it can be constructed in a variety of ways. The differences in construction have to do with how the corners are built. Commercially available pre-fabricated stretchers come in segments with interlocking corners, that can be fit together like puzzle pieces. Corner supports can also be made using simple woodworking techniques, however.
The
miter joint is the most popular method of adhering corners on a stretcher, althoughbutt joint s are also fine if used in conjunction withgusset s. Keys or small triangle wedges are inserted in the joint after stretching the canvas to give the canvas its final tension. When fastening the canvas, pressure should be distributed evenly around the stretcher to minimize warping due to unequal distribution of pull.Unlike other types of frames, the corner joints in stretcher bars are not glued or fastened in any permanent way. This allows the canvas to be retensioned over time, as it has a natural tendency to stretch and sag over time. In contrast,
strainer bar s stretch canvas in a fixed (non-adjustable) way.The use of stretcher bars in the home print market has become increasingly prominent with
inkjet -printed canvas prints becoming more popular in the home. Many print companies import pre-cut and hand-finished stretcher bars from areas ofSouth America andChina in timbers such as Rosewood Paulownia andFir . The rot and warp resistant characteristics of these timbers, as well as their availability in China make them a widely-used choice in machined stretcher bars.
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