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I have always worked larger projects either using stretcher bars or a scroll frame, never in hand, I am curious what methods others prefer and why, benefits, negatives, etc. I just ordered a scroll frame with 26" rods; I can't imagine working a project that large in hand. Stretcher bars aren't as easily transported as scroll frames, and even those are rather bulky.

I use Q Snaps or spring hoops on all my projects and move it around as needed.

I stitch most often outside my house so I need projects to be easily portable.

Q-snaps, stretchers, or a hoop. Can't imagine stitching in hand.
Gary

I haven't tried q-snaps. Do they keep the fabric taut and are they easy to move around? Oh, and do they flatten the stitches if they are placed over stitched areas? I might have to get some.

I do all depending on the size of the project. Smalls in hand, medium usually in hoops, my large is in qsnap and i also have a stand, but find it hard to find projects that fit its bars. I have a bunch of stretcher bars that i picked up in varying sizs for near free, but haven't used those yet.

I too absolutely love my qsnaps, and prefer them for almost all of my stitching. I only use a hoop if it's a really small project, like an ornament. I find the qsnap really keeps the fabric taut--and is so easy to retighten if need be. I don't have that much problem moving mine around, and as for flattening stitches, I haven't noticed that problem. I do usually put a paper towel or thin strip of fabric over stitching, if I'm going to have to place the clamp over an area that is stitched. For the most part, it is much easier to press the finished project when I stitch using the qsnap vs. using a hoop--the hoop seems to always make a more noticeable crease in fabric.

I just love my q-snap and don't think I could stitch as well with out it. I have several and mix and match them to make a size that will fit my projects. I always wash my projects when I am finished with them so I never notice if my stitches are affected in anyway.

I use scroll bars. I think if I tried to stitch a large project in hand, my hands would cramp up and my tension would be horrendous. I really admire those who can stitch in hand and still keep their tension even.

I stitch in hand. I think it is how it is done in Sweden. At least there are no frames or stands or qsnaps for sale anywhere. You can buy a spring hoop though.

I think stitching in hand works well for me, so buying a frame and stand would be like buying a wheel chair even though I can walk.

I stitch in hand on everything,from HAEDs and large SQs down to ornaments. I don't find amount of fabric a problem, it just flows over my hands into my lap from the section I'm working on. I love the portability too - it means I can stitch literally anywhere and I regularly do stitch on trains, planes, at work etc.

I will sometimes use a hoop for speciality stitches but in general I don't find tension to be an issue. I did try using a hoop regularly once but even with a 10 inch hoop, I found I kept bumping my hands into the edges of it and finishing off threads was a real pain trying to work the needle behind stitches when the fabric is taut and recessed in the hoop.

Every so often I think I might try a frame - the millenium frame is the most attractive to me, but it would tie that project to the house and I'd need the space to store it and probably a floor stand as well to hold the frame. It's a huge investment that I'm not sure I want to do at the moment.

Thanks for all the input. I just ordered a QSnap frame. I had purchased the Michaels version and was unhappy with it (returned it this morning). The clamps were nearly impossible to remove and the force required to remove them actually distorted the fabric. I am currently working on one project using stretcher bars and another using a scroll frame. When my QSnap gets here I can have three projects going with three different frames (not to mention the small ornaments I am doing in hand). Variety is the spice of life, right?

I definitely think you will love the qsnaps--and glad you took the Michaels ones back--I have a set of ones I bought from JoAnn's and found them to be much the same as you have with Michael's--so they rarely get used at all. I absolutely love my qsnaps though

qsnaps forever!! haha I looove my qsnaps. I just need to invest in a good floor stand that can take those in it's clamp and I'd be set..

I agree with CF I have an absolute love for my Q-snaps!!!!!!

I use scroll rods for most projects. The 28-inch bars are the shortest ones I usually use. Many of my projects go on the 30- or 36-inch rods although I just loaded up my 26-inch rods for a piece that is long and narrow.
I stitch in hand on big things -- like afghans or tablecloths. I've used Q-snaps and I do recommend them (Genuine Q-Snaps, that is. Not the off-brand ones; they just don't grip as well) but I don't use them very often. It's just my personal reference.

I'm still very wet behind the ears and bought a small 4" hoop thing to make my frog with. After about an hour, I tossed it out and stitched the rest by hand. The hoop was just, in-the-way.
Now, making anything over, say 18" or so, I think I'd want a hoop. There would be just too much material flopping around without one.
The smaller stuff is just so much easier by hand.

Im now quite glad I read this thread before buying the Michaels Q snap knockoff, I bought the 5 pack Q snaps instead, waiting for them to arrive now.
I have a large collection of hoops, fine for not fully covered projects and small designs, I have a floor stand that holds split rail scroll frames, which is fine for fabrics up to 18" wide, but when I put the 28" bars on they bow in the middle when the fabric is tight, leading to uneaven tension
now thinking of getting a millenium frame for my bigger projects, or maybe trying stretcher bars.
couldn't imagine stitching in hand, even tight fabric is my favourite, so working with no tension at all!? no thanks.

I stitch in hand, this is how I control the fabric for larger projects

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I roll both sides up and pin them at the ends and place small dowel rod in each (to keep it from flopping.) it is not 100% perfect but it works for me.

I have always stitched in hand even for all the really big projects I am doing but after hearing everyone raving about how great q-snaps are I have treat myself to one. Well the UK equivalent anyway. We will see how I get on. I have stitched in hand for so long I am sure it will be weird to start with.

cairee wrote:...I have a floor stand that holds split rail scroll frames, which is fine for fabrics up to 18" wide, but when I put the 28" bars on they bow in the middle when the fabric is tight, leading to uneaven tension

I really don't like the split-rail rods. I use the rods with the webbing and baste the fabric to them. I tried a set of split-rail rods once. I ended up taking the project off halfway through and remounting the fabric on webbed rods. I threw the split-rail rods out. My longest rods are 36 inches and when I tighten them, the middle is nice and tight.