Frame question
What type/size of frame would you recommend for working the larger patterns? And what are q-snaps? (I've never worked a large enough pattern to require a frame, but I'm thinking of investing in one if I keep doing these larger ones. I have several in my wish list.)
Posted by: Rosebud on 03/06/16
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you will love a q-snap they come in 4 or 5 different sizes I prefer the 8x8. that's a pretty large area to work before you have to move. I tip I will give you instead of pulling the snaps off slide them off. much easier
by: susieq on 03/06/16
Rosebud,
I agree. I love Q-Snaps! A description on them would be that they are round plastic tubing that, if you have enough of them, you can make different size frames. There are pieces of plastic tubing that snaps over the round tubing and holds the fabric in place. Some stitchers don't like them but I do. For me, I use them on my large projects. You can buy them in 17 x 17 inch frames, 11 x17 inch frames, etc. down even to a 6 inch x 6 inch Q-Snap. I like Q-Snaps because I don't have to move the frame around as much on my larger projects as I do a hoop. Plus, there is hardly a "hoop" mark when you use Q-Snaps. Like I said, you have to try out different types of frames. Some you'll like, some you won't. I personally still use a hoop on my small projects such as Lizzie Kate of Little House Needleworks projects.

A word of caution...and only because I seem to have noticed it. But I bought some "generic" q-snaps from Michael's (some off-brand and didn't have the "Q-Snaps" name on it) and I swear these generic ones do NOT hold the fabric as well. Seems the top plastic tubing slides, gets loose, and won't hold the fabric taut. I tried putting them in the top rock of the dishwasher to help tighten the plastic and it worked for a bit, but now their loose again.
by: Bermuda on 03/06/16
I wholeheartedly agree! After many years of many kinds of frames, hoops, etc., I am sold on Q-Snaps.
THEY ARE GREAT! I use the 8x8 most often, as I find the larger frames are hard to hang onto and if you stitch while sitting down, big frames are harder to flip to the backside when you need to endba strand of floss.

I usually sit in a recliner to stitch, as I am old and can't sit in a chair upright since my body has not been able to stay that way for long.
by: Su Pitt on 03/06/16
I am unfamiliar with Q-snaps. Does one tube have to be as long as one edge of the project you are working on? For instance the project I am working on measures 15.5 x 32 inches. Do I need a tube at least 15.5 inches long?
by: murillome on 03/07/16
murillome, the length of the tube should be less than the length of your fabric so that the 'snap' part can grip the fabric. For the fabric piece you are working with - 15' x 32' - you could use a Q-Snap of 10 x 12 or even smaller; you would just need to move the frame around your fabric as you finished stitching various parts. Alternatively, you could use a frame that was larger than 15.5' on one side and leaving the sides unattached use it as a scroll frame for the 32' side. To see a video illustrating this, go to www.qsnap.com.
by: Stitching Sherry on 03/07/16
I agree that you should try several different types of frames/hoops/whatever. Every person has a different tolerance level...one reason there are literally hundreds of choices. :)
by: VCESS on 03/08/16
Rosebud & Murillome, I am a Q-Snap user and have been for a very long time. I agree with Bermuda...always buy the Q-Snap product..it is the best quality. Also....go to QSnap.com. Their
website has pictures and gives you access to "Yarn Tree" where the products are actually sold.
I agree with the other stitchers that I do not have to "move" my fabric around as much or "adjust" it as much because you gently turn the snaps on the side to make your fabric a "little bit taught" if you wish!

P.S. I believe on the QSnap website they have a video to show you exactly how this product is used.
by: jerseycrafter on 03/08/16
I tried the REAL q-snap...still don't get the attraction...it is all "in the eye of the beholder"! :)
by: VCESS on 03/08/16
I just bought 2 11x17 qsnap sets. Hopefully I can finagle this to work for my 30x36 fabric.
by: Rosebud on 03/08/16
Rosebud,
I have used hoops as well as Q-Snaps and I agree with the others with their function. However, my wrist and hand become tired and sore after holding a Q-Snap after a short time. After investing and literally throwing money down the drain experimenting with different floor and table frames with scroll rods, I have found the best stitching frame made. My personal opinion. They are individually made in Canada by an older couple out of their home. Hearthside Craftworks is the company's name. The floor stand is called Mark 2 and then there is a Lap Stand that can also be placed on a table. They are a little pricey.

Mark 2 floor stand = $350.00 (comes with 30" scroll rods, a flip frame, accessory tray & pattern holder).
Lap Stand = $129.00 (comes with 20" scroll rods and it's a flip frame with easy access to backside).

I have both and prefer the Lap Stand. You can purchase any size scroll rods needed, range is 4" to 60" but I find the 20" and 30"is all I need. The construction is very solid and dependable. If you want to explore further here is the link to the website.

http://www.hearthsidecraftworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=4

by: Red on 03/08/16