Simple:

Step 1: Select a Utrecht Cross Brace measuring equal to or greater than the narrower dimension of your stretcher frame; cut to fit exactly inside the frame.

Step 2: Attach brace to frame using one T-Plate at each end of cross brace, as illustrated. Note: Do not glue brace to frame; never glue joints of stretcher frames.

Step 1:* Select a Utrecht Cross Brace measuring equal to or greater than the narrower dimension of your stretcher frame; cut to a length equal to the inside dimensions of your stretcher frame, plus 3 ¼ inches.

Step 2: Measure and mark a line across the width of the brace 1 5/8 inches from the end of the board. Using a saw, cut across the bar stopping at a depth equal to half the thickness of the bar (3/8 inch).

Step 3: Using a 1 inch wood chisel and a mallet, make a cut at half the height of the brace to remove the material from the end of the brace to the cross-cut. (This joint is called a “Lap” or “Half-dado”.)

Step 4: Saw a 1 1/4 inch groove at the end of the joint as shown.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other end of the brace, on the same side of the board. Step 6: Attach to the back of the stretcher frame as shown, using ¾” wood screws through the grooves in the ends of the brace.

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