A frame for tensioning fabric such as a silkscreen mesh is described. The frame includes a groove for securing the fabric using a locking strip. The groove includes a central cavity between a groove floor and a groove entrance, an insertion cavity coupled to the groove entrance and the floor, a side cavity opposite the central cavity from the insertion cavity and coupled to the groove entrance and the floor, and a pivot disposed on the groove floor. The side cavity includes a vertex. The insertion cavity may be adjacent the central cavity. A portion of the side cavity may be removed at an end of the frame for softening corners of the fabric or mesh. Locking strips may be stitched to edges of the fabric or mesh.