Curious about my scroll frame

[kathryn]

I've got a 24 x 9 inch scroll frame, that I've been using. Lately I've noticed it doesn't want to keep even tension with the fabric, and it gets looser (for lack of a better word) near the center of the fabric. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Also for anyone who has used Q Snaps, do they have this same loose/sagging problem when you're dealing with a large piece?

[KerryT]

Hi I love snap frames and do not get on with the scroll type (keep hitting my hands on the screws)
I tend to use a 12" square frame of smaller as Im not keen on large frames I just move it about as I go !

[topbiddy]

Q Snap frames are the best I have used. I always put an extra strip of frabric along the edges that the frames sit on so it is even tighter and the tension is even. Much better than scroll frames... in my opinion.

[Busy_B]

I am currently using both q frames and a scroll frame. I have not been happy with my scroll frame in the past, but DH and I have fixed it to where it works much better. Do you have the type that has the slot down the middle of the rod to insert your fabric? Mine did, and because of this, it did not hold my fabric tight at all. We ended up buying new dowel rods that were slightly bigger than the dowels in the frame. Then I attached velcro to the edge of my fabric and hot glued the other part to the dowel rod. The dowels are definitely snug in the frame holes (really difficult to move without DH's help). Parts of the fabric are a teeny tiny bit looser than what I prefer, but I am working with a very soft fabric. It is in no way loose like it was before, though. With the new dowels, I can even use my lap stand since the dowels fit better.

All of that being said, I also really like my q-snap. I have one on my other WIP since it is much smaller and then one I use for my travel project. They are much better than hoops in my opinion. I did have a tension problem in the corners when I started, but putting a scrap of fabric under the clamps tightened it up. I'm not using the q-snaps on the other project because the fabric is quite large and very soft. It is just easier to use my frame. Hope you can find something that works for you!

[Granny]

I picked up hints to help deal with my frames, QSnap, split dowel and floor stands. All are simple answers that have eluded me on my own. The clamps on QSnaps will eventually stretch, particularly when also used for quilting with batting so I may just sew up little sleeves of thin batting to slip over them to hold the clamps more tautly.

[kathryn]

Busy that sounds exactly like mine, I've been putting it off, but it seems Q-Snaps are the way to go. I just wish I didn't have to order from away (the joys of living where the best stuff is no where nearby)

[Busy_B]

Busy that sounds exactly like mine, I've been putting it off, but it seems Q-Snaps are the way to go. I just wish I didn't have to order from away (the joys of living where the best stuff is no where nearby)

I love the q-snaps, but if you really enjoy using the scroll frame because it's easier, why not try to put in new dowels? You can pick them up at a hardward store cheaply. I left mine at the 3 foot length, but plan on buying more to make smaller frames. There's actually a store about 10 minutes away from me that actually sells the q-snaps and usually has a coupon for 40% off every couple of weeks. Definitely worked out cheaper than ordering!

I picked up hints to help deal with my frames, QSnap, split dowel and floor stands. All are simple answers that have eluded me on my own. The clamps on QSnaps will eventually stretch, particularly when also used for quilting with batting so I may just sew up little sleeves of thin batting to slip over them to hold the clamps more tautly.

I think I've heard about people running the clamps through the dishwasher--the heat helps tighten them up. Haven't tried it, though. I think the q-snap website has information on how to tighten them back up.

[Slinky]

I've got a 24 x 9 inch scroll frame, that I've been using. Lately I've noticed it doesn't want to keep even tension with the fabric, and it gets looser (for lack of a better word) near the center of the fabric. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

I'm experiencing exactly this on a large linen piece I'm working on, using a scroll frame - it's sagging on the left hand side, no matter what I do! It's not so bad I can't work but I am pleased I have finished that side and don't have to deal with it anymore. And it's a stitch-your-fabric-to-the-frame type, not an easy-scroll slot type(which I found didn't hold the tension anywhere nearly tautly enough).

As the tension was fine to begin with, I'm wondering whether it's the fabric which has stretched, not the tension which has loosened? It IS linen which can 'give' after all.

I don't have a solution, sorry!

[Granny]

Busy B--I shall try the hot water trick to see if that improves it any. Makes sense that it would.

[Busy_B]

I'm experiencing exactly this on a large linen piece I'm working on, using a scroll frame - it's sagging on the left hand side, no matter what I do! It's not so bad I can't work but I am pleased I have finished that side and don't have to deal with it anymore. And it's a stitch-your-fabric-to-the-frame type, not an easy-scroll slot type(which I found didn't hold the tension anywhere nearly tautly enough).

As the tension was fine to begin with, I'm wondering whether it's the fabric which has stretched, not the tension which has loosened? It IS linen which can 'give' after all.

I don't have a solution, sorry!

One thing that you can use is a type of clip on the sides of your material and frame to help stretch it and hold it taught. Some people use the elastic with clips for holding sheet corners on the bed. I made mine out of some velcro that wraps around on itself and clips.