Why do my Q Snaps keep breaking?

[Stitch]

This is the second time this has happened to me now. The first time was with some 8x8 Q Snaps, and now its happened to one of my 11x11 clamps. I was starting to lose tension toward the bottom of my project, and no amount of tightening would bring it back. So I took the whole thing off the Q Snaps, hoping this would help. But as I was putting the clamp back on, I heard a sickening crack, and sure enough, the clamp is broken now. I am going to attempt to find some very strong epoxy glue and something to hold pressure and then cross my fingers that I can repair it.

But why is this happening? Am I trying to put the clamps over too much thickness? You can see in the latest picture of my Elegant Geisha thread my setup. With the fabric alone, I simply wasn't able to get the kind of tension I want. So I got some rubber lining that I have heard several people recommend, and that did the trick. The tension was excellent at first, though over time it still slowly loosened. The fabric is Aida, so it's already a little thick...

Should I give up the rubber lining and sacrifice some tension in order to spare my clamps? Is there some other reason they have cracked on me twice now?

[Mystonique]

Are they experiencing any temperature fluctuations (maybe left in the car or in a really cold room or near a heater or something like that? If plastic gets cold or hot and back again it can weaken it. I don't have Q Snaps so I'm not really sure.

[Stitch]

I don't travel with my projects, so they don't spend any time in a car. They do stay under a typical 60 watt bulb for a few hours a day, but I doubt that would make them hot enough to cause what you're describing.

[OctoberLace]

Could it be the rubber lining? I love working with my Q-snaps, but I work only on linen and have no problem. My current design will be quite large, so I will add a thin piece of cloth under the clamps going over the stitched areas to protect my work as it grows. Aida is much heavier, so you may be trying to hold too much under the clamps.

This is the second time this has happened to me now. The first time was with some 8x8 Q Snaps, and now its happened to one of my 11x11 clamps. I was starting to lose tension toward the bottom of my project, and no amount of tightening would bring it back. So I took the whole thing off the Q Snaps, hoping this would help. But as I was putting the clamp back on, I heard a sickening crack, and sure enough, the clamp is broken now. I am going to attempt to find some very strong epoxy glue and something to hold pressure and then cross my fingers that I can repair it.

But why is this happening? Am I trying to put the clamps over too much thickness? You can see in the latest picture of my Elegant Geisha thread my setup. With the fabric alone, I simply wasn't able to get the kind of tension I want. So I got some rubber lining that I have heard several people recommend, and that did the trick. The tension was excellent at first, though over time it still slowly loosened. The fabric is Aida, so it's already a little thick...

Should I give up the rubber lining and sacrifice some tension in order to spare my clamps? Is there some other reason they have cracked on me twice now?

[Stitch]

The lining is the only thing I can think of. It's just that without it the fabric sags quite a lot no matter how tight I pull the clamps. I've never gotten along with hoops, but perhaps I will give them another try for my projects that use aida and see if I can make that tension any better.

[Parksfarm]

Hmm, that's very strange. You can purchase replacement clamps - I think I got mine at 123-Stitch, they were pretty inexpensive...

[Stitch]

The thing is I have already had to replace my 8x8 clamps when it happened. My LNS doesn't carry just the clamps, so I had to buy a whole new set. They shouldn't be breaking this easily, and I don't want to have to keep replacing them. I think my best bet for now will be to try switching to hoops on Aida. Both times they snapped I was using them on Aida, so hopefully I can continue to use them on my Lugana without a problem.

EDIT: I do have a question for those of you who use hoops. When you move it to an area that's already been stitched, how do you pull the fabric taut without destroying the stitches? Is just covering them up with a piece of thin cloth enough protection?

[MaggieM1750]

I use the rubber thingies when my clamps loosen and I haven't had a problem with them breaking.
I recently bought new clamps for my frame.. and they hold my fabric tight enough now without the gripper things. Not perfect.. I retighten the tension whenever I switch needles.. but I am able to work comfortably.

[ali-cat]

Sorry to hear you're having this problem as I know how you feel.

I have two R&R frames (same system as Q Snaps) and have only got three decents clamps left, as the others have all cracked or split. They are both about six years old so I've certainly got my moneys worth out of them, but it's still so annoying!!

I've always used a piece of felt below my fabric to hold the tension and think that's why they have split ... except for one Mark stood on.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Stitch, I generally use flexi-hoops, and if I do need to move them over a stitched part I either cover it with a thin piece of fabric (if there are "vulnerable" threads in the project) if I remember , but usually I just mounted the fabric into the hoop and tension is fine, and the stitches recover with a bit of dampening and ironing. Not sure how it works with the wooden hoops with a screw -- I've got a few of them but must admit to not liking them very much, I find they snag and mark much more than the flexihoops and have never moved them over previous stitching.

[mig-3]

Stitch, I think you're on the right track. You probably have too much thickness for the clamp. To cut a long explanation short: as the clamp expands due the fabric thickness and such, more stress is concentrated at the midpoint of the curve. If you manually squeeze the clamp closed with nothing in it, you get the same stress at the same point. It all leads to cracking and breaking near the midpoint of the clamp. The plastic used in the clamps has a "memory" and becomes more malleable with heat, so use it to your advantage. Heat the clamp in the top level of a dishwasher, in steam or in very hot water. Carefully and evenly squeeze the hot clamp tighter and immediately plunge it into ice water to reset the curve. I've been doing this for years to tighten loose/weakened clamps and have never had one break.

HTH,

[Lizzy]

My first R+R plastic frame lasted me 3 yrs and was still going strong. I then started to use the non slip rubber stuff and the clips split after 2 days! I ordered a new one and still used the rubber stuff and that lasted 2 weeks before the clips split. I bought no 3 and now use scraps of cotton fabric and after 7 months its still ok! I usually stitch on aida so combined with the thickness of the rubber stuff it seems to be just too thick and puts too much strain on the curved plastic

Anyone know where you can buy just the clips in the UK please

[Stitch]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I will just have to find a new frame to use with Aida. These clamps are not more than a few months old, so buying new ones won't help with the tension. I'll try out a hoop and see if I can get it to work this time for me. I might even try stretcher bars, which is something I'd never considered using before. Does anyone here use them? Does the tension slack off after a while? Also, would they work with thinner fabrics too or are they best with thicker fabrics?

[Reta]

I only use stretcher frames no problem Yes they will slacken but are easily tightened I like them as they help keep the fabric square

[Vega]

Stitch, I think you're on the right track. You probably have too much thickness for the clamp. To cut a long explanation short: as the clamp expands due the fabric thickness and such, more stress is concentrated at the midpoint of the curve. If you manually squeeze the clamp closed with nothing in it, you get the same stress at the same point. It all leads to cracking and breaking near the midpoint of the clamp. The plastic used in the clamps has a "memory" and becomes more malleable with heat, so use it to your advantage. Heat the clamp in the top level of a dishwasher, in steam or in very hot water. Carefully and evenly squeeze the hot clamp tighter and immediately plunge it into ice water to reset the curve. I've been doing this for years to tighten loose/weakened clamps and have never had one break.

That's some GREAT advice!

I personally don't like the way aida lays on Qsnaps. For smaller aida projects I roll up the excess fabric in my hand and stitch without a hoop. The aida is typically stiff enough that it doesn't effect the tension of the stitches. However, for larger pieces I prefer a scroll frame. I tape the edges down to the rods to secure them. I like the qsnaps for even weaves only. (I don't normally use linen)

[Serinde]

Anyone know where you can buy just the clips in the UK please

I'm going to the big craft show in Glasgow on Saturday. Shall I have a look for you? If so, you'll need to tell me what size and price range, etc. PM me, if you are interested.

[Rose]

I have had my Q-snaps for a number of years and they are still as tight as when I first bought them. I use aida or fabric with waste canvas and have never had any breakage.

I don't get on with scrolls as they only hold the top and bottom and leave the sides to just wobble around. I need tension on all sides.

[agi]

Anyone know where you can buy just the clips in the UK please

I'm going to the big craft show in Glasgow on Saturday. Shall I have a look for you? If so, you'll need to tell me what size and price range, etc. PM me, if you are interested.

I am greeeeeen with envy.

[Stitch]

Well I've tried out a couple of different frames now. I first tried a hoop, and the tension was...okay, but I worry about it damaging my stitches. Even for the few minutes I had it on to test, it noticeably creased the fabric.

I also tried stretcher bars. And I love them. The tension is good and the stretcher bars are surprisingly lightweight. I'm only using 12" bars, but I can hold it in my hand no problem. I couldn't say the same thing about my 11" Q Snaps. I like it enough that I would even like to try it out on a much larger project like my HAEDs. However, I know those would be far too large to try to hold without some kind of floor stand. I won't be buying any until I know whether or not I like the stretcher bars with my HAEDs, but I've been looking around at my options anyway and trying to decide what might work for me.

I found one that I am very interested in, and it's actually not too pricey as far as these stands go. It's from K's Creation and it's called the Ultimate Stitching Station. They claim it's wide enough to work with recliners, which is something I need, and it can hold bars up to 36" wide.

Has anyone ever tried this stand or know of someone who has? Do you like it? I am left-handed, so will the stand/accessories work with this? Also, is there another stand around the same price range (~$160-$180) that would work with a recliner (besides the Ergo/Gazelle stands)?

[Lizzy]

I managed to find the spare clips for R and R frames

I contacted Roger and asked him If anyone stocked them. He didnt answer that question but he did say " Hello, yes we do supply spare clips, they are £5.00 for a set of four
that includes first class postage.

Please contact us on randr@craftframes.fsnet.co.uk" target="_blank for more information
and to leave your contact details if you wish to order.

I'm happy

Thanks again Serinde for your kind offer!