Scroll Frames for Large Projects?
I am currently working on several large cross stitch projects and I'm trying to find a frame to use as I'm working. I have always used hoops with projects around 8" x 10" but with my larger projects, I can't seem to find anything that is sturdy or large enough. My projects are 21.5" x 16.5" and 27" x 20" and 21.5" x 10.5'.
Can anyone suggest anything other than hoops to use while working the pattern? I've seen several scroll frames that advertise 20" or 30" (long) but then only 8"(high).
It seems there should be something out there to fit these larger patterns, but I'm just not seeing it!!
Please help! I'm going crazy using these hoops!! I've got so much excess bundled up and pinned up around the edges of the hoop! It's difficult to stitch and too bulky to enjoy while stitching! I'm getting too frustrated while working my patterns and I've always enjoyed cross stitching and used it to relax during some "down" times.
If anyone could suggest something, something that would support such a large pattern, something that I could scroll while working the pattern, and something that is fairly sturdy, I'll buy your next pattern for you (provided it's from Everything CrossStitch!
Please help!
Happy Stitching!
Posted by: wstalder22 on 04/14/14
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I use E Z Stitch & like them very much. Have collected various size scroll rods & stretcher bars as I usually have several projects going at once.

"The Stitchery" sells a number of sets and sizes, including the extra long scroll rods you need. Don't be mislead by the pictures -- same pic for everything. The titles & detailed description tell what you're buying. They only sell the "no-baste" style, which many people prefer. Mine are old & have basting fabric, which can be special ordered from the company still.

Avoid split scroll rods. Use the shortest stretcher bars possible to cut down loss of fabric tension with the longer scroll rods. The middle holes are for the various stands they sell. I just rest mine on my arm because it's easier to flip the frame.

I think that covers the basics. Don't need a pattern, but thanks for offering. Good luck!
by: jlhewes on 04/14/14
jhewes: Why not use a split scroll? I have one, but haven't used it yet. Does it do something to the fabric? Let me know please. Thanks.
by: jclifford on 04/14/14
I had bad luck with the split rods holding the fabric well enough. Same with Q-Snap & the frames that use the PVC clamps. Don't know how well the E Z Stitch with Velcro holds. All mine are the old style with strapping tape to baste your fabric onto, plus I didn't want to buy the Velcro all the time.

Lots of stitchers use the split rod or clamp type frames, so maybe it's me.

Equal time for E Z Stitch problems: knobs loosen now & then; fabric tape is stapled to wood & I 've had a staple pull out; basting does take a little time & sewing thread is too weak (I have a big Perle cotton stash of #12 so no problem!); various stands they sell require loosening a knob to get to the back of the design -- takes time & damages knob eventually.
by: jlhewes on 04/14/14
Thank you to all that responded to my question regarding the frames for larger cross stitch patterns! I went to Michaels's today to find something that I could use immediately rather than wait for something ordered. I did find a plastic snap frame, 17" x 17" that is okay for now. With my current project I still have some fabric hanging beyond the frame but at least it's better than what I had!
I had also tried using a wooden scroll frame (with the split rods) but it never stayed balanced and I ended up with a crooked project when I finished and it never stayed taut enough.
I'd like to find a scroll frame that is sturdy enough and works well with these larger patterns that I'm working on. Sometimes it's hard to just "try" something when they are so expensive, and you have to order it...
I've done cross stitch for several years now, but until now, I've always done the smaller patterns, and I've always purchased the kits. Now that I've found this website (and now others with your recommendations), I'm starting to order larger patterns, and I'm starting to accumulate quite the supply of items as well.
Being new to these larger, and more intricate projects, I'm always cautious when ordering things from a website, yet the hobby stores have such a limited supply of materials. It's nice to have this blog to ask questions and get some opinions on these things.
I'm still finding new things here-and-there that I'm looking to try, like storage things, or organizational things....
I keep my floss on the bobbins and in a plastic case, but then I need something smaller to keep my projects separated. I'm terrible at working one project for awhile, then I'll get bored with it and either start another or go back to another one started earlier so there will be times when I've got 4 or 5 patterns going at the same time!
Thanks for responding and all the wonderful suggestions! I think I'll try the E Z Stitch!

by: wstalder22 on 04/14/14
wstalder22, try to find a shop in your area if you want to try things out. I cannot work with a frame or hoop and I own most models. My daughter can only work with a frame. She has a huge castle sampler in one, it's sewn in. It must be an older model. It gets on my nerves when I constantly have to turn the thing over to weave in threads. Despite my "free hand" style things turn out well. I don't like the hoops because one is supposed to place fabric over the stitched area to keep from damaging the floss. That makes it even bulkier for me and I end up with these crop circles on my work. I stitched a table cloth once, lots and lots of satin stitches, and wished that I had used a hoop. However, after washing and pressing it everything was fine. If you buy a frame at one of the hobby stores and find that you do not like it you can always return it.
by: Texas Stitcher on 04/15/14
Thanks for your input TEXAS STITCHER, I appreciate such great recommendations. Can I ask what you use if not a frame or hoop? It sounds like you just use "free hand," but how do you keep the stitches consistent, and how do you keep your "stitch area" consistent? Maybe you've done it for so long that everything is just easier that way? I suppose maybe I'll just need to try it...

I have the same frustrations when using frames or hoops in that you have to keep flipping when starting or finishing a strand. Imagine that now with this 17' x 17" frame with my 30" x 30" fabric!! It's quite bulky but at least my fabric is taut and I don't have twenty clips holding the excess fabric in!

At this point, I am just trying out so many different tools and various supplies, which can be fun at times. The same thing with thread storage... I started out using the long plastic "bows," but then I found that overall storage was difficult. Then, I put all my thread on the small bobbins and kept them in the storage box but would transfer threads to the bows for individual project storage. Then that got to be monotonous because I had to keep transferring the threads from bobbins to bows, and back again when the project was completed!

I'm sure I'll get it all figured out, and my own system in place, as I work out my own style using various suggestions from friendly, helpful people like you!

THANK YOU!!


by: wstalder22 on 04/15/14
I found that working without frames, hoops, etc works best for me and surprisingly enough my work is uniform. I've met a few other ladies that work that way and was very relieved. I purchased tons of gadgets and got rid of most. If my daughter won't take it then I donate it. I had large, sturdy cardboard bobbins that I really liked but they didn't fit into the boxes, so I switched to the smaller ones. The weren't quite as sturdy and did not hold up well at all. I then discovered the plastic ones, they are sturdy and fit into the cases but the little numbers don't stay affixed to them for very long. I wrote the numbers on the cardboard ones. So now I affix the numbers with tape. So far it's worked but I know that it's not a permanen solution once the tape ages it'll come off too. Like you, I am tired of fooling around with all this stuff. I'm working on several projects and need to complete them so I can clean up my floss situation. I want to reduce my stash. I like working with fresh and new materials instead of stuff I've had for 25 years. If you are uncomfortable working with frames then try "free hand" on a small project and see how it turns out. Wash and press it and then make a decision.
by: Texas Stitcher on 04/17/14
I've tried "in hand" stitching, but I have arthritis, so it really hurt my hand. Also, at our house, if you drag fabric around, it will be covered in cat hair, or become a cat toy in no time.
by: jlhewes on 04/18/14
Hello Texas Stitcher:
I will have to try stitching without a frame. I guess I always assumed that it would turn out crooked or uneven due to various tensions, but it certainly sounds easier! That's a great idea to just find a smaller pattern to try it and even just practicing! Thanks! I'm currently using a 17" x 17" frame so it's rather bulky when handling it.
We have the same frustrations when organizing our supplies. I've always kept my floss on the bobbins but would then transfer to the bows when organizing floss for specific patterns. (I'd use those roll-up floss organizers for each pattern). That got too tedious to transfer floss before and after each project. Then I tried separating the bobbins out in rings to keep project colors separate. Then the rings became too cumbersome with over 60 colors per project! AND, those crazy little stickers would always fall off!! Isn't that just so frustrating!!! (I'm taping them as well!) I do like to separate out my flosses per pattern just to keep each project separate. It's easier when I move about the house to stitch. Maybe I want to stitch while watching tv, or maybe out on the front porch, etc. Maybe we should join forces and create solutions to resolve our dilemmas!! 😉
It is wonderful to have this blog to share experiences, solutions, questions, and answers!!
by: wstalder22 on 04/18/14
Hi there

Go to shopping.com you will find them. Good luck
by: miss crossstitc on 04/18/14