Advice on tension devices please!!

[aimeela_]

Hi Guys,

I'm planning on starting another large project soon. The design is going to have a total of 84,672 stitched and is going to be 24in x 18.5in. Last time I did a large project like this I used a hoop but i found it so awkward with all the overhanging of my materials. I'm thinking of using a large frame instead but i've never used one and wouldn't have a clue for the best one to purchase.
Can anyone shine some light on this please? Plus any suggestions on good frames would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! xx

[Rose]

One thing you have to consider is how tight you prefer you stitching area to be. With the roller frames the sides are left loose and so the tightness of the material is not to my liking. I use Q-snaps and I love them. Of course you have the material issue but as long as my stitching surface is tight that is what matters to me. I can deal with the leftover but that is just me and you may find that the scrolls work very well for you.

[MaggieM1750]

Like Rose, I also an a Q Snap girl. I keep the excess fabric rolled up and tucked into my fabric cover/ grime guard/ huggie.. whatever you want to call it. It's an elastic fabric cover that goes around my snap frame.

I've also seen people using big hair clips or those big black bulldog office clips ( with something between clip and fabric to protect it)

[Mystonique]

Lots of people complain about the loose sides on roller frames but I have found that only happens on some frame types. I use a frame where the dowl screws onto the frame with wing nuts and rubber washers and I never have loose edges.
I tried qsnaps (only at a show) and didn't like the way they seemed to lose tension after a time - but most of the ladies here don't seem to experience that.

[Oriettait]

Lots of people complain about the loose sides on roller frames but I have found that only happens on some frame types. I use a frame where the dowl screws onto the frame with wing nuts and rubber washers and I never have loose edges.
I tried qsnaps (only at a show) and didn't like the way they seemed to lose tension after a time - but most of the ladies here don't seem to experience that.

I am in the bunch who could not handle the loose tension of the scroll bar... maybe because I tried them with linen? I will never know as I sold them
no problem at all with my q-snap, it is always drum tight. I read that some unbranded options has that problem so if you choose q-snap make sure you invest in the original.
I have a 11x11 that can be made into a 14x14 and a 11x17 and I use them for almost all my projects. Only hardanger and smallish stuff goes to my hoop.

[Helby]

I use both together. I use the Qsnaps on the scroll frame and find that everything stays lovely and tight. They keep everything rolled away and neat and I haven't stitched my work to my pyjamas since.

[aimeela_]

Thanks everyone. I've never heard of Q-Snaps before so i'll definintely be giving those a try.

Thanks again

[BizzieLizzie]

I use these: http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran593-0.html" target="_blank" target="_blank.

One disadvantage of these is that they only provide vertical tension (i.e. between the top and bottom bars). To get horizontal tension I use these http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/Brac ... rd-NK.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank, two either side, with velcro looped through the clip and around the side arms of the frame. I find it works really well, but it's more faffing around than you would have to do with a Q-snap.

[geekishly]

I use both together. I use the Qsnaps on the scroll frame and find that everything stays lovely and tight. They keep everything rolled away and neat and I haven't stitched my work to my pyjamas since.

Could you take a pic of this setup? I'm quite curious.