When I just used a frame, when I finished a thread I would just turn it over push the needle back through a few stitches and then the needle through the hoop in the thread to make a knot. Probably not the correct way of finishing a thread? which is one question. Also because I now have my frame on a stand I find it hard to get behind to do this so is there an easier way? thank you in advance

I don't even put a knot in my thread. I usually use a loop start, and do that from the front of the fabric then flip the frame over and pass it through a few stitches to hold it when I come to the end of the thread

It took me ages to get the hang of the loop start from the front of the fabric but its really easy to do when you get the hang of it.

I don't have a stand at the moment but I know some of them (like the Lowery I'm looking at) are designed so that you can flip the frame over without un-clamping it. What stand do you use?

One of the many reasons I gave up on fixed frames and got a handheld one! I like the loop method but I really dislike having open thread at the end and having to try and keep hold my my needle, so I just knot the thread.

I have a floor stand and since I have plenty of space, I just flip the entire stand around to get at the back. And because I'm not adjusting it all the time, it's nice and tight, so the angle it's at doesn't slip down while stitching. When I have money for a nicer stand, I think I will get one that is easier to flip. But what I'm doing now works well enough for me. I use a loop start from the back, but I cut my threads long enough that I can do so without fuss.

Arianwen I am not sure which frame it is as I bought it second hand but its all fixed together with wing nuts so I can't flip it over. I will have to see if I can find a demo for a loop start?

Here's one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJgwJGlZjk

And I just found this graphic explanation of the loop start:

http://www.better-cross-stitch-patterns.com/loop-start.html

This site has a lot of valuable information.

I recently bought one myself and I was wondering the same thing the stands are expensive so I asked my husband to make me one however whilst I 've been waiting I decided to stitch in hand on my aida its looking pretty good so i may just stick with that!
Hope you find a solution.

I don't ever knot my threads to finish. If you pass your needle through several stitches at the back, that should be enough to keep the stitches secure.

I'd definately try using the loop start method from the front, that way you won't have to turn the work around all the time.