Things You'll Need
1 inch by 2 inch oak board
3/4 inch oak dowel rods
4 dowel bolts
4 oak knobs
Staple gun
Heavyweight canvas fabric
Sewing machine and thread
Sandpaper, coarse and fine
Polyurethane
Drill
Needlepoint frames can make it easier to work on a needlepoint project, and leave you with less distortion on your finished canvas. There are several basic types of needlepoint frames; with the scroll-type frame typically the most versatile and comfortable. If you often work with unusually sized canvases, you may find that you need to make your own needlepoint frames. Constructing a frame yourself is cost effective, but it does require some woodworking skills.
Step 1
Have your local hardware store or home improvement center cut the oak board into the extender bars or side pieces for your needlepoint frame, or do it yourself using a circular saw. Cut two 6 -nch lengths, two 8-inch lengths and two 10-inch lengths. Cut dowel rods to the desired length for your needlepoint frame. Consider cutting rods in several sizes to allow more versatility in your scroll frames.
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Step 2
Sand the extender bars and dowels with coarse sandpaper. Work carefully to remove any rough areas. Wipe down, then sand with a fine grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of polyurethane and allow to dry thoroughly. Sand and finish the four oak knobs as well.
Step 3
Drill holes into each end of the dowel rods and screw threaded dowel bolts into the holes. Use a slightly larger drill bit to drill holes approximately 1 inch from either end of the flat oak panels. Drill holes into the knobs for the other end of the dowel bolt if the knobs are not predrilled.
Step 4
Cut two pieces of heavyweight canvas slightly shorter than your dowel rods and approximately 3 to 4 inches wide. Zigzag stitch around all four sides of each piece of canvas or use a fray preventing product on the edges of your canvas for your needlepoint scroll frame.
Step 5
Staple gun the canvas fabric onto each dowel rod, securing it quite firmly.
Step 6
Place the flat extender bars onto each end of the dowels, securing into place by screwing knobs onto each end. Stitch your needlepoint canvas onto the scroll frame by hand to use your needlepoint frame.
Tip
Canvas stretcher bars and a staple gun can be used to make a quick and easy needlepoint frame.
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