Is it cheaper to make your own canvases?

Yes, typically 30-50% cheaper than pre-stretched, especially for larger sizes. The savings increase with quantity.

What does a handmade canvas cost?

A medium canvas (60x80cm) costs roughly £10-20 in materials when made at home versus £20-40 pre-stretched from a shop.

Jackson's Art, Cass Art, GreatArt and Ken Bromley are popular. For bulk fabric, try Russell and Chapple.

Estimate the total cost of canvas, stretcher bars and priming materials.

Fabric Price

Fabric Area/Canvas

Bar Price (each)

Bars per Canvas

Gesso Price/Litre

Gesso/Canvas

Quantity

Cost per canvas = Fabric + Bars + Gesso

Total = Per canvas x Quantity

Calculate canvas dimensions including wrap-around allowance for gallery wrap and stapling edges. Free online calculator, no signup required.

Work out stretcher bar lengths, cross braces and corner keys needed for your canvas. Includes brace spacing for large canvases.

Calculate the total area of canvas fabric needed including overlap for stapling. Works for single canvases or cutting multiples.

Calculate how much gesso primer you need for your canvas or wood panel based on surface area, absorbency and number of coats applied.

Work out wood panel dimensions and cradling requirements for rigid painting surfaces. Covers MDF, birch plywood and hardboard panels.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.