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When i start my HAED, i'm going to get a Q snap frame (although probably not that brand, the equivalent one from sewandso). I can't decide what size to get though. I'm used to just holding the fabric in my hand so i figured a fairly small frame is best. I'm deciding between 9"x9", 11"x11" or 11"x17". Any advice?

I've used the 6x6 and the 9x9 and for me, the 9x9 is just about as big as I'd want a frame, but leaning it against my tummy and holding the top with my left hand works well so probably would work with the larger ones too.

It depends a bit on whether you'd prefer to fit the whole project in one frame so that you don't have to move it, or you're happy to move the fabric in the frame -- akthough I'm not sure there is a frame big enough to hold a HAED in one go .

The thing to remember is that they get heavier and more unwieldy as they get bigger, but several people on the forum are happy to work with the larger ones, ao they'll be able to tell you what is the most comfortable way to hold them and what the pros and cons are. Good luck on finding the right size for you!

If you have always stitched in hand you are going to probably want to start with a smaller size frame. You are going to have to have a breaking in period because it is a very different way of stitching. I think I would go small and see how things work out for you. You will have to move it but that is really not a problem. I move my frames all the time.

i use 11" x 11" for bigger ones..

I started off using a 17" x 17" Q-Snap for my HAED. Took a bit of getting used to, but then it was fine.

I later brought a 11" x 11" Q Snap for another project and have been working with that one on my HAED design now. I found it pulled the fabric tighter, but actually found it harder to use than the bigger size because like Mabel said, I rested it on my tummy, so you had more support.

I will be going back to the larger frame once my design gets bigger though as don't want to chance putting the clips over the stitching. Once I fill that frame up, I think i'm going to get extensions to put on the QSnap frame.

Hope that helps?

Hmmm i'm still not sure. I know that the edges of the frame will have to go over my stitches at some point because the design i want to do is 14" x 22".

Somewhere there's a thread about how to protect your stitching under a q-snap (or similar type frame). Involves fabric, and is very clever...

I'm using an 11x11 which has been great so far. I didn't realize before I started using them how much the difference is between the QSnap frame size and how much actual working area you have though...

I put the qsnap frame straight onto my stitching and not had any problem with it. I just make sure I take it off after stitching for the day to give it a rest and laying it flat.

Amanda, do you mean you get a lot less space than the frame size?

I think Amanda is getting at the 'frame size' is actually the dimensions of the outside of the frame and you lose some of that area with the qsnap clamps ie my 6"x6" qsnaps only give 4.5"x4.5" working area. (or slightly larger if you are like me and cheat by twisting the clamps to fit that last stitch in... )

Thanks Tracy... that made a lot more sense.

Well i have decided to go for the 9"x9". Hopefully it will be ok, thanks for all your advice