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I'm about to buy my first haed project, do I need to buy a frame or use a hoop?

I've always stitched holding my fabric in my hand then sorted out the crumples after but was thinking the design I like is 57" by 57" and maybe to big to hold?

thanks

Gosh hard to say. I use an 8x8 qsnap and there's a ton of fabric hanging around which I've gotten used to. If it doesn't drive you bonkers with the fabric all lying around then I am sure you could try it without a frame. I never could get on with just holding it in my hand without a frame. I'm actually waiting for my new stitch stand to arrive in a month or so and then the whole thing will be on a scroll frame so that should take care of all the loose fabric.

But like I said, it's all about what you prefer.

I agree with kerbear--it all depends on how comfortable you are using hoops etc. I am working on a haed, Lady of the Woods but she's not near that large, ONLY 18 inches by 12 inches, and I'm working it on an 11 inch q snap.
What haed are you going to stitch??

I've always stitched in hand and never had a problem. I'm currently stitching an Afghan which must be getting close to the size that you're talking about and haven't found stitching in hand an issue, even when doing the very middle panel. If you're worried though you could always try a hoop/qsnap and see whether it works for you. I wouldn't say that a fabric that size would automatically be too big to hold though.

Just out of curiousity what HAED are you thinking of stitching?

I'm planning to use my 17x17 qsnap for my HAED.

I don't think any of mine are quite that big but I stitch them in hand also. I roll up the excess fabric at the bottom and that kind of gives it some stability. I don't think I'd get on with frames.

Louise

I am doing a big HAED called Wrath. I never use frames or hoops. I have no problems at all with stitching in hand.

I use a 11" x 11" snap frame for my HAEDs, then roll up the excess fabric at the bottom and put a couple of clothes pegs on it to keep it in place.

oh dear oh dear, baby brain, I'm not doing a piece that is that size of everest. I'm meant 57cm by 57cm, sorry, baby is only 10months and my thinking isn't straight quite yet.

I'm looking at doing Linda Ravenscrafts Carpricorn. It's my sign and it has panies on it which are my favorite flower.

am I allowed to post a picture of the cross stitch?

You can post a picture but not the chart. I just had to convert that back to imperial and it is queit big enough. I use an 8 x 8 inch qsnap now but previously I always stitched everything in my hand.

That's a pretty design! You know if you really wanted it that big, you could always do it on 8 count fabric

You can post a picture of what it looks like complete, you just can't post any pictures of the chart. And of course, an SAL is mandatory so we can cheer you along