Check at Hobby Lobby for a hoop. I've seen small hoops there before. Maybe they have one that is small enough for the current project. Another thought would be to in the future, not use the supplied Aida, but to supply your own. You could use a larger piece in your frame, then cut off the excess. Might be a wasteful idea, but sometimes you have to do what is necessary. This might be a good thought for the small hoop though, less waste.

Can you attach something soft on the frame, where you are gripping it? Washcloth, memory foam, ? just something that would protect your hands from the hard frame.

Thank so much! that is a wonderful Idea, i did not even think of memory foam. When buy your own cloth is there brands that is better than others? and could I cut the fabric to size before starting? because my next project after I finish the fox is a tinker bell one that says the finished size is 3"

I don't know if one brand is better than another. I typically get something from Hobby Lobby. Would something like this be big enough, there should be some extra room around where your design will go, as you don't want to be trying to work up against the edge.

http://www.hobbylobby.com/Yarn-Needle-Art/Cross-Stitch/Hoops-Frames-Tools/6%22-Embroidery-Hoop/p/34836

Your cut piece of Aida would be slightly bigger than the 6" hoop. Depending upon how you finish the design, you may need extra anyway (for framing purposes).

Yeah it would work, but I was actually thinking about going with q snaps ? After I get a mini hoop for the fox one? Have u tried q snaps?

I have not. I have a table stand frame that my cross stitch is in. I'm currently working a needlepoint with out a frame.

Hi Megs,
Saw you chat and want to let you know that I use Q-Snaps and just measured the DIAMETER of one of my Q-Snaps WITH THE ATTACHED CLAMP and the total diameter is 1-inch that you would need to be able to hold onto with your right hand. With Q-Snaps, you would need to be able to press the clamp down over your fabric and the Q-Snap tubing beneath the fabric; also you would need to be able to slide or in some way remove the top clamp whenever you need to move or remove the fabric. A suggestion is to put the Q-Snap CLAMPS over your fabric and the tubing with your left hand and pushing down on the clamps against a strong tabletop while holding the opposite side of the Q-Snap frame down to keep it from coming up. You might want to consider a tabletop frame that has large knobs to allow you to tighten the fabric down. Also, there are such things as cross stitch frames that you actually sit on, but I haven't any experience with those. Other stitchers on this chat would probably know the pros and cons of that type.

I agree with the other stitcher about considering "memory foam" or "moleskin" to protect your right hand from the rubbing and see if that works.
I agree. Get a larger piece of Aida cloth (14-count) on your own so the fabric holes are bigger. For me, I figure out what the cross-stitch finished size is and then add a MINIMUM of 2 inches extra on each side of fabric for the total size of fabric I need. I usually add 3 inches each side for mounting and framing to get my final fabric size. So, if the FINISHED size of my cross stitch will be 8 inches wide x 8 inches high, I will add 3-inches to EACH side (6 inches for both sides and 6 inches for the height) and therefore need a piece of fabric that is 14 inches wide x 14 inches high. Good luck! Let us know what you are able to come up with!
I'm not an employee of Everything Cross Stitch but one of the stitchers that saw your chat. :)

Bermuda thank you that is very kind of you to explain all that. I greatly appreaciate. The two types of stands in look at are doodleanddesigns mini mini lap frame or a hoop sit on frame from jc penny I sure I can get it else where, but I am leaning more totowards the doodle and design mini mini lap frame

I too can only use one hand to stitch--my right--due to right brain stroke--effects left side of body. I have found that scroll floor frames work best for me. Although I do have a "set-upon" holder that I received in rehab that I have adapted to use as table top, I agree on the use of memory foam or some other material for comfort. Some time ago I found, I believe at JoAnns a small scroll type frame that works well for me on smaller projects.

I have been "challenged" for 22 years and still am able to stitch--just have to come up with "solutions" to the challenges--think out side the box.

Thank you everyone I have found my solution I believe. It is called crafty lap. You can find it at www.craftylap.com

Hi Megs, if you are having trouble with small pieces of fabric, you could try the technique that we use for Petit Point gauze.

You can sew or baste your Aida fabric to a larger piece of cotton. Put the larger piece in the hoop and cut out a circle of the cotton to expose enough of the Aida fabric to stitch your picture.

You can also do this with a piece of cardboard. Cut a hole a little smaller than the size of your fabric, then tape the Aida to the back of the cardboard. You can hold the 'frame' while you stitch.

Good luck!