Hi
Not sure if this question has been asked before, apologies if it has.
I'm stitching on a small piece of aida which is too small for me to put into a hoop. I'm finding it quite difficult just holding the material when stitching. I sure I've read in a magazine there's a way of attaching extra material to the aida so that a hoop can then be used.
I don't use a hoop or frame, but I would think if you just get a larger piece of fabric and tack (running stitches) all around your piece onto the centre of it then you would be able to put it in a hoop. Make sure both pieces of fabric are smooth and not creased.
mags
WIPs:
Heritage Tower Bridge (yes still )
various bits and bobs
What are you finding difficult about holding the fabric? Is it just having it folded in your hand or problems with fraying? So the project is too small for the 4" hoop (I think that's the smallest)?
I would say that if you don't want any fabric attached to the piece when you're done, maybe you could just baste/sew strips of wider fabric on each of the 4 sides to make it wide enough to fit in your frame. Sorry I can't be of more help. I usually do small pieces without a hoop/frame. Hopefully someone can give you more info.
WIPs: There Be Dragons, Feed My Sheep, Canyon Flight HAED, Lotus Flowers HAED, Christmas Cove
I have a 3 inche hoop that I've used for really small projects. If it's tension you're having a problem with then I would do as has been suggested and baste some other fabric to the edges so you can put it into a hoop.
current project rotation:
Twilight Balloon Flight
The Accolade
Faces of Faery 89
Dad's Flower Pot
You can even get 2" hoops sometimes (generally meant for displaying a small piece rather than for using as a hoop), but I find it difficult to finish off using such a small hoop (unless I use it "upside down"). Anything that small I tend to just hold in my hand.
Like you I prefer using a hoop, though, and so what I usualy do is simply cut the fabric large enough for my smallest hoop, even if that makes it rather big for the project.
I remember Sylvia holding any small ones in her hand which was often the case when she was doing Birthday and Xmas cards. Her tension was very good though so there was no chance of anything going out of shape.
Smile and the world smiles with you
Work in progress
Family Coat of Arms - Finished
Spike in Charge (Kit) Restarted
Water Garden - Tapestry - will take about another year!!
Norwich Cathedral
For many years now I have used a Grip n Stitch frame for my sewing projects. Wether on Aida or Evenweave in fact any material it is much better than a hoop as you can make the frame to fit any size, also you do not get that circle around your finished project. The frame is plastic so it is also very light to hold.
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