Fabric Stretcher

Nancy Wilder of Nancy Wilder Wearable Art sent us several pictures which we combined into one. Her use of insect pins to produce a silk painting stretcher frame is unique & a work of art in itself.

In her own words: "These #3 stainless steel insect pins are perfect for bending into hooks which hold stretched fine silk on a frame for painting. They are fine enough to not leave holes & strong enough to hold the fabric. They don't rust and hold their shape.

They get bent into hooks using flat jewelry pliers & then the top end is made into a loop with a round jewelry pliers. This makes them ideal for my home made stretcher system. I dye and paint silk then sew the silk into kimonos, jackets and scarves."

See Related Products below for hemostats that might help bending the pins.

A fabric stretcher frame is highly useful for painting on silk which is a delicate and flexible fabric. The frame provides stability & even tension which optimizes the painting surface. This prevents any shifting or wrinkling as you paint on it.

This stability helps achieve precise designs, smooth brushstrokes, and even application of dyes or paints. When silk is stretched evenly, dyes or paints are less likely to pool or bleed uncontrollably. This tension allows for better control of color placement for achieving clean lines and intricate details. Stretched silk allows for even dye absorption for in consistent color and tone across the painting which would otherwise lead to uneven color patches.

Silk painting techniques like gutta or serti require precise application which is best provided by a taut, stable surface, making it easier to apply resist materials without their smudging or spreading. A stretcher frame also allows better air circulation so the silk can dry more evenly. This allows for longer painting sessions and greater precision.