Reading a pattern while stitching...

[devinf]

Hi everyone. Super-lurker here. Wanted to get some ideas because lately I've been having some trouble with my left wrist.

Right now I stitch in a random comfy chair or couch and use an 8x8 snap frame. I usually fold my PDF printout in half and hold it with my thumb and forefinger, while supporting the frame with the remaining fingers and my belly (it can be useful!). This absolutely tweaks my wrist and I'm starting to feel it.

It's not really a problem when I'm doing chunks of colors or repetitive sequences because I don't need to look at the chart. It's the confetti that gets me. Any ideas on a better way?

Thanks,
Devin

[bookknurd]

I almost always have a table or other flat surface nearby when I'm stitching, so I either just lay my chart on the table if I'm actually stitching at a table or I put it on the chart holder on my floor stand or I use a document stand (like a clipboard that can hold itself up) to put the chart on so I can see it just by looking up. I've never held the chart in hand or on my frame while stitching (not because you can't, just because I've always had other options).

[Reta]

Fold chart thinner and use a 2 magnets one on top one under on the fabric

Or paper clip on to a piece of card layed on fabric

[Allyn]

When I used a Q-snap, I used to hold the pattern with a big binder clip on the corner of the Q-Snap frame -- one of those giant binder clips that would hold a big stack of paper.

[MaggieM1750]

I stitch in a swivel rocker chair when I am at home.
Same thing as you.. 8x8 (or 8x11) Q Snap frame held in hand.
My feet are kicked up on the footstool to the chair.. legs aren't flat out.. but bent.
My chart is either loose pages, or on a magnet board that I usually just put in my lap. Stitch a few, cross them off on my pattern. Stitch a few more, cross them off..

I have a plastic Prop-It frame that I use sometimes.. but not often. Its usually just pages on a magnet board, resting in my lap. I've also heard of people using old music stands (cheap, easily adjustable height and angle, with a nice ledge for "stuff") or book stands.

[Athalie]

I use an old recipe book stand with a magnetic board to hold my charts. It sits on a card table in front of me where I can see it just by glancing up and it's also in the right place for marking off my working copy. I've been stitching for over 70 years and never even thought of holding my chart while I stitched, just shows you that even at my age there are things I don't know LOL

[LilacDragon]

I have a magnetic board that I keep my pattern on. I usually balance it on my knee and the arm of my recliner.

Just a thought but I have been thinking about getting a music stand to put my magnet board on. Since they adjust up and down, I will be able to adjust it so that I can see it and it'll be off of my knee.

[devinf]

I was thinking of something music stand-ish. I'll have to really increase the size of my patterns, because right now the printouts are very small - one of the reasons why I hold the chart as I stitch.

I'll have to play with the magnets or clip. They sound more doable for my kinda mobile stitching. I'll let ya know what works out. Thanks for the ideas!

Devin

[Oriettait]

before I got my floor stand I used to use a Ikea laptop table called Dave. It was very comfortable to use as it has the ability to tilt and I put the chart on top of it and used to prop my frame between it and my stomach. The whole set up was great, very cheap and did not took up much space.

[crosstitcher1]

Last year I solved my problem with buying a computer laptop adjustable, rolling stand at my local Wally World, in the small chair and table section, for about $40.00.
The area where the laptop sits,, I don't have one, tilts to either the right or left side, that I place my charts on, which are on 2 magnet boards, and has a small side table to set my project on when done for the day or other supplies that I am using at the time.
Good luck in finding your solution.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.

[Angel]

A co worker of mine uses two really strong magnets to hold hers to her fabric. Personally I prop mine up on a table using one of those boards designed for typists.