Hoop - to use or not to use

[May]

I love the idea of using a hoop - but after 15years of stitching without one, I find it soooooo difficult!! I have spent so much money on wooden hoops, plastic hoops, big ones, small ones, but I just can't master it at all!!!!
Is it me?

[Granny]

My Grandma stitched all her life and never used a hoop. I use hoops but it is thimbles when needed that undo me. I wouldn't stress over not using a hoop if you have smooth stitching. I use hoops but the theory for hoops is so that you stitch evenly.

[~threadbear~]

Generally, I use hoops for smaller projects and snap frames for larger ones, card sized I just hold but some larger ones such as my owls, I also just held.

So I guess my advice is do whatever feels best for you.

[mauveme]

I use Qsnaps usually cause I stitch with both hands so not using anything is frustrating to me. But I don't use anything with cards or biscornu, anything that is small.

[Kirstylou]

all depends on my design what kinda frame i use o now

[kerbear879]

I've never tried stitching without one but I know there are some who do and they are just fine like that. Right now I use qsnaps, but will try the scroll frame probably next month some time..but if I hate the scroll frame then back to the qsnaps as I like those a lot!

[Rose]

If ypu are comfortable with the result that you are getting stitching by hand then just keep doing what you are doing. We are all different and that is why this is such a special hobby we all can do what suits us and that is OK!!!!!

[SusanF]

If you have been stitching happily for fifteen years without one, then why change? Everyone is different in how they like to stitch. I usually use Q Snap frames, but must admit I really enjoy stitching small pieces without a frame or hoop at all.

[Squirrel]

I haven't used a hoop for years until I started the current large project which has (seemingly) acres of half cross stitch in single thread and the 16 cnt aida is a soft one. Currently it is a 6 inch wooden hoop but I really want to get something larger so I can use both hands to stitch.

We have a Stitches and Craft show coming up in March so will have a look there.

I agree with what some others have said, it is a personal thing and if you have been happy stitching without a hoop stay with it.
I would have except for the reasons above.
Squirrel

[freelady]

If I don't use a hoop my tension is all over the place. Even for small things I use the smallest hoops I could find.

That's the beauty of this, whatever you do is right.

[ali-cat]

I was never a fan of hoops – for some reason I just found them awkward. Then I discovered the snap frames ... and love them! Can't imagine sewing without some sort of frame and am actually jealous that you can!!

[Nachstenliebe]

I use a hoop usually because it helps me focus on an area when the fabric is sooo huge... or to me is huge I like the tightness it gives as well because it makes it easier to find the holes in the fabric...but to each their own.. I'm curious about q-snaps.. I kind of want to try one out
Faith

[Granny]

I am using the wooden scroll frame at the moment for the simple reason that it is with a stand. I got the lap stand because my really cheap floor stand was not wide enough for my chair. I downsized my chair and it will fit this chair so I now have a project on each. All that said, I prefer the Q Snap frames for the ease of adjusting the tension but my current downfall is that I have to hold them by hand. There are stands with adapters for the Q Snaps but because DH is handy with wood I will see if he can make me something that will work with the stands I already own.

[silviaciuchi]

I always start with a hoop, because stitches come out more even. But for some reason, I always abandon my loop after session #3. I go faster without one.

[May]

Thank you everyone for your comments. This site is so helpful. I agree that it is a personal thing, and whatever you do is right, but I am now desperate to try qsnaps - whatever they are I'll look it up on t'internet
Happy stitching

[~threadbear~]

Thank you everyone for your comments. This site is so helpful. I agree that it is a personal thing, and whatever you do is right, but I am now desperate to try qsnaps - whatever they are I'll look it up on t'internet
Happy stitching

These are the ones I use:
http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran549-0.html" target="_blank