Jane of Chilly Hollow has posted an outstanding review and how to on Evertite stretcher bars on her blog.
It’s outstanding and you should go read it.
First off, she shows you how to assemble them. If you’ve looked at them in the store or if you have some and can’t figure out how to put them together, Jane has the perfect tutorial. I couldn’t do it the first time I tried them. Even now, when I use them I have to remind myself how to do it.
Then she has a great review, which I loved. I would only add a few things to think about before you buy them for a project.
First, check the unworked margins of your canvas. Evertites are thicker than regular stretcher bars (1″ or so instead of 1/2″), so they don’t work for canvases with narrow margins.
Second, if you use a stand, check it to see if it will open wide enough to hold Evertites. Some don’t and may need to have the screws replaced with longer ones, an easy fix.
Finally, if you have problems with your hands, you may find the thicker size and heavier weight of Evertites a problem.
If any of these things describe you I would borrow some or try them out at the shop before I invested.
As for me, I want some more!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Thanks for the kind words, Janet. I’ll link to your message here so that folks who read my Blog entry can find your comments about the Evertites and know that these are things to think about.
Jane, waving from dark and cold CH