Hoops?

[molly01]

Hi
It's a while since I did cross stitching and I always used to do fairly small pieces but I've just invested in a Maia Kit 'Soul's flight' which is lovely but is 16 inches by 11 when finished. I am currently using a 9 inch hoop but obviously I am going to have to move it around. If I put it over an area where I have already stitched, will this ruin all the stitching? I have tried getting a big roll frame but it is too heavy and cumbersome as I have a trapped nerve in my neck and arm ( I have had to give up knitting and crochet because of this and cross stitch is to ease my withdrawel) Can anyone advise me on the best options.
Kate

[Esber]

I have used a 6" hoop for all the projects I have done. I do have to move it around but have never noticed any problem with the areas that are already stitched when I cover them with the hoop.

The hop I use is plasticand is aboiiut 20 years old. If I ever break it I guess I'll have to quit stitching. LOL

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've moved my hoop around and although it initially squashes the stitches so far it's always come out with my after-completion wash; the Q-snap frame/Snap frame I'm using for another piece seems to mark the fabric less, and I am told doesn't mark it at all if you put a bit of extra material (like bits of torn up pillow case) underneath the snaps. Good luck!

[Rose]

I have used both the hoops and the Q frames for all of my stitching 25+years. I have never had any ruined threads do to frames being placed over them. I always wash my finished projects and that helps pop th ethreads back up into shape.

Good Luck.

[Fljotsdale]

Hm. Personally I only use hoops for small items; I use a roll frame for larger work, because, like you, I am always fearful of damaging my work. But since this is not an option for you, let me reassure you: I have seen that many of the stitchers in here use a hoop for even very large designs, and the completed work looks none the worse for it!

[Kute Kitty]

I generally use a frame for larger pieces but I've seen larger works that have been stitched just using a hoop and moving it around and there hasn't been any damage to it Good luck

Would it be helpful to you to invest in a stand for a frame? It would limit how much you could move relative to the cross stitch, I don't know how that would affect your nerve having never had a trapped nerve, with a hoop you can adjust your own position much more and much more easily.

[molly01]

Thank you all for your replies, you have set my mind at rest, I shall continue with my hoop and wash afterwards.
Kate

[Raven]

I have used hoops for larger projects (the Teresa Wentzler dragons in my gallery for example) and had no problems with them crushing my stitches. However I did use a large size hoop. For a larger design I would recomend that you use the largest hoop you are comfortable with, for some designs this could be a quilting hoop. With the pinched nerve in your neck, you may have to stick with the 9 inch or 11 inch, whichever works best for you without causing you to hurt.

Also you can try putting a second piece of fabric (same as you are stitching on) on top of the stitched areas when you have to put the hoop over it, to pad the stitches a bit. I'm not sure if this will effect the tension or not, but it is something I've heard others talk about doing with both traditional hoops and q-snaps.

Raven

[lacemaker2004]

Hi,
I've used hoops, scroll frames and q snaps and have not had a problem. For my bigger pieces I tend to work in hand though. Just have to becareful of your tension. That might help with your nerve issue too. The other piece of advice I would give is to remove the hoop when you aren't stitching.

[Sarah Gixxer]

I have always used a 9 inch wooden hoop in the past and had no problems when it's had to go over my stitching. As Mabel said it initially squashes the stitches a bit, but they soon bounce back when you wash and press the finished piece. Some of my pieces haven't really needed a wash either, so I've just squirted them on the back with a water bottle and then pressed them with a towel between fabric and iron and the wood frame impressions have vanished easily.

Having said that, I've just bought a Q Snap for my upcoming HAED, although it's still only a 9 inch one - I have never been able to manage a bigger frame on my lap and my 1-bed flat is too tiny to find anywhere to put a floor frame.

[scotia]

I must say I rarely use a hoop, but I do have a 10inch hoop for the odd occasion I do need one. I wound bias binding round both parts and this stops some of the marking of the fabric (an old lady gave me that tip).
Anything under about 12 inches I tend to just stitch in hand, I just find it more comfortable.
Try a hoop, see how you get on.