Keeping Tension on a Scroll Frame

[Vanessa]

I'm working a 16x12 project and I'm down to the last few inches at the bottom. I have it on a scroll frame, but the fabric keeps pulling out of the bottom rod when I try to tighten the tension. It was fine when I had more material to wrap around it, but now that I'm at the bottom I just can't keep any tension. Does anyone have any tricks for solving this or will I just have to switch to a hoop for the last few inches?

[destructiveernie]

Be interested to see what responses you get to this as I find getting the right tension on my scroll frame impossible. keep ending up with floppy sides!!!!

[Stitch]

Are you using a split rail frame? I have always found those to be very fiddly. I much prefer simply basting my fabric onto some regular scroll rods. I make my own for just a few dollars each by using normal wooden dowels from a home improvement store, and then I just staple on some heavy-duty fabric. It may take a little more time, but it's much cheaper than buying pre-made basting dowels, and the tension is better than the split rail frames.

As for floppy sides, I use velcro strips and these suspender clips: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/prod ... D=prd49647" target="_blank" target="_blank. Wrap them around the extender bars and clip them to the fabric and voila! No more floppy sides! The clips won't harm your fabric, and you can get very nice tension with them.

[Busy_B]

I had the same problem using a split rail frame. What I did was to sew around the dowel rod. That way it held the fabric onto the rod. What I do now is to hot glue a length of velcro to each of the dowel rods that is at least the width of my project. Then I sew the matching part onto the top and bottom of my fabric. The velcro holds the fabric wonderfully even when you are working on the very ends. Like Stitch, I made my own side clips to hold the sides taught. I don't use them as much as I did before using the velcro to attach the fabric, but it does depend on the size of the fabric.

My DH bought and cut several sets of dowel rods to different lengths so I can have different size projects without having to remove the velcro in between projects. I only wish all of this worked on one of my current projects! The fabric is so soft that even having everything tight it is extremely loose when stitching.

[Vanessa]

Thanks for the tips! I just sewed it on to the split rod for now and it's working really well. I'll probably try either making my own basting dowels or Busy B's velcro idea for my next project.

[Busy_B]

I'm glad the sewing trick is working!

[stitchingmae]

Tension is the reason I scrapped my scroll frames.... I have a love hate relationship with hoops.

[Kute Kitty]

I have a no-sew frame - I did look at the split rail ones and they looked far too complicated! I tape the fabric on with masking tape, and then if I need it have the option of stapling it on as well (the manufacturers very much advise a regular desk stapler, not a staple gun, if anyone's thinking of doing this!)

[stitchingmae]

I have heard clear packing tape? Please don't try until you have investigated further! A site recommended it for their frames saying to tape it to the bar?

[Carole]

That's a good idea with the clips. I gave up on scroll frames because of the floppy sides.

[Kute Kitty]

I have heard clear packing tape? Please don't try until you have investigated further! A site recommended it for their frames saying to tape it to the bar?

I have tried clear tape but find that the masking tape adheres better when it's meant to and comes off at the end just as easy - but this may vary depending on the brands of tape used.

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

I have heard clear packing tape? Please don't try until you have investigated further! A site recommended it for their frames saying to tape it to the bar?

I have tried clear tape but find that the masking tape adheres better when it's meant to and comes off at the end just as easy - but this may vary depending on the brands of tape used.

I've always used masking tape on my scroll frame and it's worked fine, but I recently borrowed a frame like this http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/15-x ... E1512.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank from my sister and I think I am a convert! The clips on the frame give a great tension and do not harm or mark the fabric in anyway - no floppy sides!

[Fibreartist]

That easy clip frame looks like a cross between a scroll rod and a q snap.

[Fibreartist]

I just ran across an excellent new product by a UK company called
"needleneeds"
http://www.needleneeds.co.uk/store/" target="_blank
They have a unique scroll rod system that tightens up your work as taut as a qsnap.
Excellent. They even have a video.
The only drawback is that they are a bit expensive.