Stretching and Prepping your Panels

Get your muscles out because it's time to stretch fabric!!

Stretching fabric takes some practice (and in my case) some patience. It is the same method as stretching canvas onto stretcher bars. I will not be using stretcher bars in this course because I hate the bounce.

If this is your 1st time, I recommend a small canvas to practice on: 8" x 10" or 11" x 14".

MATERIALS:

• Wooden Panel

• Fabric

• Stapler + staples

• Large flat surface (I use the floor)

• Clear Gesso

• Large brush

• Hammer (optional) for staples that need some help

• Master's Brush Cleaner (optional)

tip: if you have animals and you work on the floor, vacuum. Dog hairs will latch onto your fabric!

Selecting Fabrics

1. Touch and feel fabrics, in person, if possible. You want your fabric to have slight give and be durable. Cotton blends are great. Think about how canvas feels, that's the vibe but a bit softer.

   I use JoAnn's. I have used spoon flower in the past but they did buckle and I had to re-stretch my panels. It's difficult for me personally to buy fabrics online because I can't feel the weight and stretch. https://www.joann.com, https:www.spoonflower.com

   AVOID AT ALL COSTS: flannel, tool, stretchy, athletic, white or light fabrics

2. Choose panels that will cover you panels, plus 4 inches or so. This is like wrapping a present. You need to have enough fabric to wrap OVER your panels and then have a couple inches on the back.