Hoops/Frames Suggestions

[Flying_V_Goddess]

I swear, this should be my last noob question for a while. lol.

I've only dabbled in cross stitch and all the stuff I've worked on have been small enough where I didn't need a hoop or frame to help with the thread tension. But each section of my Zelda project are so ridiculously huge (sizes being 18"x22", 22"x10", and 10"x42") that I might have a problem keeping an even tension without one. Except I don't know the first thing about them. Help!

[mig-3]

Q-Snaps. Available from most any online shop, LNS, and many good craft store chains (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc.). IMHO, they are much easier to use than traditional hoops. There is less wear and tear on your fabric & stitching. Since switching to q-snaps, I've only used a hoop for working with organza or muslin for stumpwork.

[Capricious]

I am completely in love with my Handi-Clamps scroll frame, and would recommend them any day. You can get it from Herrschners and Nordic Needle. Makes working with large canvases a breeze.

[Rose]

I would also say Q-snaps.

[Zeb]

Love my Q-Snaps
If you find you're not quite getting tension, or the clamps slip, wrap the clamps with thin fabric.

[Serinde]

I've used everything, I think: roll frames, bars, q-snaps. It mostly depends on what the project is, where you are mainly going to be stitching, access to light and so on. Qsnaps are wonderful, though, there's no doubt.

[Vega]

I normally use a scroll frame but I also use Qsnaps for pieces that are too large for the scroll.

[ali-cat]

Q-snaps. Easy to use, control the tension and don't mark the fabric or stitches the way hoops do (I think )

Would love a big floor standing roll frame ... but (a.) can't afford it and (b.) hubby would think I'm taking up cross-stitching professionally!!

[koko]

I have to jump on the Q-Snap train here They were definitely the best investment I've made as far as cross stitching supplies go. They come in various sizes so you can mix & match them to get the perfect size you need for any project. They don't mark the fabric and provide very even tension.

[Dazbo666]

I've used a hoop in the past for concentrating on smaller projects ... or on small sections of larger projects.
But the majority of my work tends to be on scroll frames.

I can't give a personal opinion of Q-Snaps because I've never used one, but from the number of positive comments already, they're obviously VERY popular.

If you have the chance, try using a few different methods and see which suits you best - you can always buy and sell on fleabay until you find a method that suits you

[Flying_V_Goddess]

I'm thinking the Q-snaps, as just about everyone has suggested them. Not sure what size to get, though.

[Zeb]

I'm thinking the Q-snaps, as just about everyone has suggested them. Not sure what size to get, though.

I have 6x6 and 11x11 with converters; these suit me well for most projects.

[Flying_V_Goddess]

I'm thinking the Q-snaps, as just about everyone has suggested them. Not sure what size to get, though.

I have 6x6 and 11x11 with converters; these suit me well for most projects.

I think 6x6 might be too small (?). On the other hand 11x11 would be too big for the width of five of the six pieces (the width being 10")....maybe? I don't know. That's why I ask you guys for help on these things.

[karen4bells]

I love q snaps too--highly recommend them. I do believe that there is an 8 by 8 inch size as well, so if you order the 8's and 11's you could interchange them so that they would make an 8 by 11--which may work out great for what you need--do remember too that if your stitched area is 10 inches then your fabric would be much wider allowing for border

[Flying_V_Goddess]

I love q snaps too--highly recommend them. I do believe that there is an 8 by 8 inch size as well, so if you order the 8's and 11's you could interchange them so that they would make an 8 by 11--which may work out great for what you need--do remember too that if your stitched area is 10 inches then your fabric would be much wider allowing for border

You can interchange them???

The stitched area isn't 10". The fabric width is ten inches. I'm not sure what the stitching area is (and the background isn't being stitched in).

[karen4bells]

I know on the 8 inch size ones and larger that they are interchangeable so you can combine the 8's and the 11's to make an 8 by 11 frame--I've done that a few times on my stitching projects.

[Zeb]

I know on the 8 inch size ones and larger that they are interchangeable so you can combine the 8's and the 11's to make an 8 by 11 frame--I've done that a few times on my stitching projects.

This. I forgot I also had the 8's

And yes you can interchange. I use the 6 for small small projects, and also have convertors if I want to go inbetween 8 and 11.

[koko]

You can definitely mix & match the Q snap sizes. Each frame has 4 separate pieces that fit into each other to make the frame. I got an 8x8 and an 11x17, and mix and match them to make any combination. Right now I have an 8x11 I'm using for my castle project and an 8x17 I was using to work on my wedding samplers, since they were tall but not very wide. I want to get either a couple more sizes, or some of the extension pieces so I have even more options.