I have a plastic frame that adjusts from 6 inches to 16 inches with plastic clips holding the fabric. It is very easy to adjust. I have a larger one that I seldom use. Bought them both over 20 years ago. I work on the kitchen table with frame laying flat. I can move it around at different angles and reach any part of the project with no problem. I work with half of it sticking over the edge of the table and then if I want more to hang over I sit a gallon milk jug filled with cat litter on the top piece of the frame. This might sound weird but its perfect for me. I don't eat in the kitchen more but that's OK since I live alone. Bought a stand last week but it is too flimsy for the kind of frame I use.
Posted by: eagle1dw on 07/24/15
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I'll be the first one to say that "whatever works and makes you happy, why not?" Phrase, "Necessity is the mother of invention" holds true. No cross stitch police to tell you that you can't do your cross stitching any way that you like....
Posted by: Bermuda on 07/25/15
That's exactly how to work at a table. You could stitch a pretty frame weight & fill it with BBs or aquarium pebbles. Any small, rectangular design would look lovely! Mine's about 4" x 8" filled with BBs. Another is filled with sand for travel.
Posted by: jlhewes on 07/25/15
This is a set up that is leaving me totally in the dark. I have never heard of this "counter-weight" thing. Unless you were working on some HUGE tapestry, I can't think why you would need one. Is there some spot on the internet that might illustrate this contraption? :)
Posted by: VCESS on 07/25/15
Sounds unusual to me, but like someone said there are no "stitching police" so whatever works for you is the best. Would really like to see a picture of this though just for my curiosity. For me I use a 7 inch plastic and metal tension hoop no matter how large the project. I do some very large projects, but it is what works for me. Don't worry we all have our own systems when we sew. That is what is so nice about cross stitching. There are really no set rules.
Posted by: syagel on 07/25/15
Frame weights are used with scroll frames. I learned about them at retreats, where we had a section of big table we sat at with other stitchers. One person had a lady's glove she'd stitched rings & a bracelet on, filled with something heavy and sewed up the end. So cute!
The principle is that part of your scroll frame extends over your lap for stitching. The other end is weighted to make it steady on the table. A milk carton, or your favorite pet rock would work, if you didn't want to make anything. But the weight is flexible. You just flop it down on the table end of your frame.
Posted by: jlhewes on 07/25/15
To VCESS: My contraption is just a gallon jug filled with anything to give it weight. My frame simply lays flat on the table. Once you get near half hanging over the edge of the table it will tilt toward you and fall in your lap. I put the jug on the top of the frame on the table and this stops the falling problem. I turn my work 90 or 180 degrees when needed. Top and bottom always run the same but you need to be careful on sides and when standing upright all stitches run same direction. I stitch left to right.
Posted by: eagle1dw on 07/28/15
Thank you! At least, now I can see it in my head and understand your reasoning. I use an adjustable table for my floss, pattern stand, whatever. I actually lean the frame against the side of the table...keeps my posture good and saves my back and shoulders. But I am short and this configuration would probably cripple other stitchers! :) I have a stand, but just can't get used to the darned thing. Keep going back to my table. It's double the width of a tv tray, has 5 heights, moves easily, and is VERY sturdy--folds away quickly...best thing I've bought since the ott light and knitters pride pattern stand. Bought my daughter one for computer work she takes home....I don't think she has taken it down yet. :)