Fitting a full-size rear rack to my 20" folder frame, and a well-aft rack for heel clearance, I needed aftermarket extra-super-long stays, which were wider than the rack slots. I could have used washers as spacers, but instead ran the stays straight to the rack frame further aft, and attached with rubber covered stainless steel P-clamps; Better angle for fore/aft stability, stronger.
The sticks zip-tied between the front brake-post rack and fork dropout eyelets, keep the front panniers out of the wheel spokes.