I have read many different versions of stretching instructions and am getting confused.
I am using raw linen on 40" x 21" stretchers. There is a cross brace in the center of the longest side. I have seen versions where the staples are placed on the backs of the stretcher while others demonstrate the sides.
This is my first attempt and although I have read that cotton is easier to work with, this is my prefered ground (gotta learn sometime

) I also read that unprimed linen is easier to work with and therefore chose this route. My main questions are as follows: How tight should I initially stretch before priming? What type primer should I use?
Any help in this area will be much appreciated.