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side of a table. These are height and angle adjustable.

The straight frame has also been referred to as the slate frame. The most commonly used straight frame is the Scroll Frame. This frame consists of two dowels that fit into two straight sides. The sides are generally secured by screws on each of the four corners. These screws are used to tighten the sides to the dowels. Scroll Frames are especially useful for large pieces. The canvas would be attached (flat-head thumbtacks are best) to each dowel, with the bottom dowel being turned - or scrolled - until the canvas is tight. The sides of the canvas would then need to be attached to the two straight wooden sides. Again, flat-head thumbtacks work best. This pulls the canvas in four directions. Once you have finished working the area that is visible, simply remove the side thumbtacks, unscrew the tightener screws, roll (scroll) the canvas up until you reach the next portion of your piece, tighten the tightener screws and attach the canvas to the sides, again, with flat-head thumbtacks. Another common straight frame is the Stretcher Bar Frame. The Stretcher Bar Frame consists of four straight wooden pieces that are assembled to create a square or rectangle. The canvas is attached to all four straight wooden pieces (flat-head thumbtacks are best, but you may use staples). This frame is available in many different sizes. Be sure to choose a size that is sufficient for your piece. The inside measurements of the frame should be slightly larger than the area of the canvas that is to be worked. Stretcher Bar Frames may also be used to frame the finished piece. As with hoop frames, straight frames have a few attachments available to make your project easier to work. Straight frames may be mounted on floor stands, keeping your hands completely free. The height and angle of the frame are adjustable with floor stands. Some straight frames come equipped with a sit-on stand. Again, the height and angle of the frame are adjustable.

The final decision about working with a frame is, of course, up to you.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Mcneil.
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