Originally posted by Handy:
I cannot see how you could get a nice tight stretch on needlework using the attach Ez - There is too much play in them to allow it to hold it tightly........... plus, if you put them in nice and tight - is there not a chance they will just pull through?
I must be missing something........ someone enlighten me!! LOL!!
The instructions say to install the nylon fasteners through the fabric and into the board. That works nicely for broad-weave fabrics such as Aida cloth, but I recommend a different method.
Install the largest-size fasteners about 1" in from the edges and 1" apart all around the perimeter of the fabric.
Next, lay the work face down on a clean-papered tabletop and place the inverted mount board on it. Then, using your usual cotton lacing thread, lace across the back from one side to the other, looping the thread over the fasteners as you go. Repeat for the top-to-bottom lacing. This procedure is like using the "speed-lacing" hooks commonly found on boots. Reposition the work if needed, then pull the laces slightly tight and tie off the ends.
The nylon fasteners have a larger area of contact with the weave, so they impose less stress than simply lacing through the fabric with thread, or pinning. The nylon of the fasteners is chemically stable and will last at least as long as cotton thread on the back of the mount board. (which would be in the dark; light exposure weakens nylon).
This method is faster than pinning and allows repositioning of the work until the laces are tensioned.
But for fine-woven fabrics and valuable works, I still lace the old fashioned way, as the 1/16" diameter needle on the tagging gun might injure the fabric by cutting threads instead of separating the weave.