Hi, I am just about to begin my first ever Big Piece of cross stitch and I was thinking I ought to get a frame of some kind. The piece is going to be 38 x 43 cm and I wanted to know if I need a frame that size or can use something smaller?
You can use any size frame that you want and are comfortable with. If this is the first time using a frame then I would go for a smaller size. You are not going to know if you like them or not. There ar so many different kinds to choose from.
My personal preferance would be a q-snap frame they are the bes thing I fave found in many many years of stitching. But there are other options out there scroll frames that you can just clamp on the frame or those that you stitch to the frame, plastic hoops, wood hoops, flexi hoops.
If you are looking for some one to help change you, look in the mirror
Can't really add anything to Rose's excellent synopsis of frames. I'd definitely agree with her about opting for a smaller size at first. Also try one of the cheaper ones too - for example a simple wooden/plastic hoop as you don't want to pay lots of money to discover you don't like it. If you know any stitchers near you, you could always ask about borrowing one too as an option. Frames aren't necessary though for big pieces. They can help with tension but personally I don't get on with them, so don't use them even on pieces the size of HAEDs.
WIP
Rose Window
SQ Sunday afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte - pgs 1-3 complete
HAED Curl up with a Good Book
Around the World in 80 Stitches - pts 1-12 complete
Mabel's SOTW - Jan-June complete
HAED BB Sal