Hand held or use a frame while stitching

[Ceitidh]

The current stitching I am doing 'Dimensions Gold Gracious Era' has been done whilst holding the fabric in my hand and whilst it's ok I am not hugely happy with my stitching in it. When it is finished I would prefer to do my next project using a frame but am not 100% sure what kind of frame would suit a 16" x 12" sized piece. Do I get something the size of the whole bit of fabric or something that I just move around.

I used to use hoops when I did all smaller projects but if I am going to be doing slighty larger ones I feel maybe I need something else.

What is your preference in frames for projects of similar size or does anybody else just hand hold the fabric like I am currently doing?

[Dazbo666]

I've never done a project quite as big as that, but basically for anything other than the smallest projects / cards etc, I tend to use roller frames.
I'm sure many members on this forum will be suggesting a qsnap frame for such a large piece, but I've always felt comfortable with roller frames, so never used qsnap

[EDIT] I've also tried a floor stand in the past, but eventually sold it because I found that I really prefer to hold the frame in hand. It really is just a matter of trial and error at times

[mags]

I don't use a hoop or frame as I find them too painful to hold and I could not get on with a stand, so I just hold the fabric in hand. I don't do big projects though.

[crafterglen]

There are lots of hoops and frames out there and I think most of us find the one we like the best by trial and error, having said that I wouldn't do large projects with a hoop, it shouldn't squash the stitches but it does sometimes. I am a serious stitch-a-holic and rarely do anything but BIG projects and I treated myself to a Needleneeds floor stand, the bars come in all lengths to suit any project and for me it is the best on out there in our country, but others love other makes.

Happy Stitching
Glen x

[Lisa2758]

I've always used hoops, usually 8", even for big pieces, but recently I got an 8" Qsnap frame, which I love. I bought a stand last year but I really struggle with it. I try and use it when I get pain in my hands but I'm just not comfortable with it at all.

[Squirrel]

I started using a frame on my large one I am working on as there are large areas on single thread half stitches and a frame was essential. I find it hard to use due to RSI and arthritis though so when I am doing 'normal' stitching I leave it off so much easier ont he hands.

Squirrel

[nikecam]

i use a scroll frame for one project and a large hoop (maybe 10-12in) for two other projects. i prefer the hoops but i have never taken the time to felt the inside so i have that razor sharp edge that helps hold the material taut but i worry about the stitching it sometimes touchs. i try to remove it or at least loosen it whenever i have finished stitching.

[~threadbear~]

I've used hoops, held it in my hand and used a snap frame (Qsnap type of thing).
Like you I was 100% happy with my tension on the piece I held, although it wasn't terrible, the hoops are fine for smaller projects, haven't tried a large hoops, but I really like the snap frame for larger projects.
I'd quite like to try something that supports itself so that I have both hands free, but haven't yet got that far.


I'd recommend the snap frames though, they're really good.

[freelady]

I always use a 6 inch hoop. My hand and wrist hurt if I use the 7 inch. I don't get very good tension when I just hold the fabric. I do mostly large projects - my unicorn in 14x19 inches and the hoop works fine. I don't have a problem with flattened stitches on anything I've done.

I have a 12x18 inch scroll frame that I used for tapestry but it's too bulky for me to use comfortably. That's really why I switched to cross stitch. I tried my unicorn on the scroll frame but after a very short time went back to my trusty hoop.

I haven't tried a qsnap yet.

[Lessa54]

I do big projects and I've always held in hand. I do have a large hoop which I might try again for my supersize project I have lined up but it'll need some getting used to - last time I just felt it was getting in the way. I feel comfortable with it in hand and it also makes it much easier to transport which is good as my stitching is always well-travelled

My FIL works in hand too, on any fabric as well, evenweave, linen etc and never has a problem with it.

[Lizzy]

I only use a snap frame when stitching on Evenweave.
If I'm using Aida I just hand hold it as its a lot easier than holding a frame

[helbel]

For my large project I use a scroll frame and standard wooden floor stand. It's ok and tension is fine but the stand doesn't really work with my furniture so I'm thinking of getting a Lowery for Christmas.

For my current slightly smaller project I bought a new smaller scroll frame that I use on my lap (sitting sideways on the sofa). It works well enough but as I'm handling the fabric more means I'm now going to have to wash the piece when done.

I use hoops on my portable projects and the tension is better but having to hold the hoop means I slow down my stitching.

[Cockneystitcher]

I use both a hoop and Q-snaps and use whatever takes my fancy at the time.Cant get on with the big frames or stands though.

[Kute Kitty]

I have a selection of hoops and a roller frame, I prefer not to use a hoop smaller than the size of the finished design. I invested in a stand for my frame, which is much easier than trying to hold it. I will very occasionally work just holding the fabric, if it's too small for a hoop, but I don't like to because I'm never happy with the tension I get that way. Essentially it's whatever you're comfortable with! I've never wanted to use a qsnap or similar frame, I've never wanted to because I just like the feel of the wooden hoops and frams so much that I don't want to try the plastic frames!

[dollystitcher]

I have a floor stand and several different sizes of hoops and roller frames, both of which I can use with the stand. I could not cope without my floor stand as I even use it as a rest for my knitting patterns when knitting.

[Serinde]

I've never stitched in hand when cross-stitching. Always use either a hoop or frame, and if the project is on the large size, I generally use a floor stand. I have done bits of hardanger in hand, but even then, I prefer the results of having the fabric under an even pressure. Also it gets much less grubby!

[maggs]

I have used all types of frames and do hold in my hand. I used to have a floor stand but this used to get in my way and eventually tripping over it once to often it broke the stand but the frame was ok. I have an old UFO onthis now but it is not really pratical. I have used hoops but my favourite thing at the moment is qsnap frames. I usually stich with 9 x 9 and just move the frame to the new parts I want to stitch.

I think the type of frame you get depends on how you stitch, if you are a random stitcher you may want something like a scroll frame but if you block stitch a qsnap would be ok.

[*barb*]

I use the wood hoops and move them around. Now I know that it is recommended not to put the frame on stitching already done but I do. I simply cant sew without a hoop these days, I have numerous sizes, the one I am using now is a 12 inch frame so basically, it covers the majority of the project anyway, then, do do the bits that are outside the frame, i will use a smaller frame just to cover those areas. I have about 6 or 7 in various sizes. I also had an oval one but it broke I never replaced it though cause I only really used it for towel borders and haven't done any for a while and probably wont for a long while yet.

I never had issues with putting the frame on the stitches already done and I really tighten mine. When the frame comes off, the stitches are creased a bit but once it is washed and dried and ironed, you would never know a frame had been on it.

The only thing I wont put a frame on is an area that has gold filament thread.

[burgundyice]

I used to use a hoop years ago when I started stitching, but these days I stitch in hand (small, big & HAED sized projects!) - like Lessa has said, so much easier to transport!

Louise

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've never liked stitching in hand, and will only do it if the piece of fabric is really too small for a hoop, and then only if it's aida. Otherwise always a hoop, starting with a 3" for very small projects and going up to about 8" -- usually flexi-hoops, as I like their tension, sometimes wooden hoops (some sizes aren't easy to get in flexihoops). I also have 2 snap frames, a 6" and a 9", and I must say I struggle slightly with the 9" one, I find it rather heavy, but it does keep relatively good tension, although I think the American version has longer clamps so has better tension.
Is there anyone who could lend you different types of hoop or frame so you can try them? That way you'll know if you like it before you buy.