I roll my extra fabric up and pin it. This way it is not in your way and it won't get dirty. I use a hoop and this helps me a lot. When I need to move the fabric, I unpin it, move it, and pin it back up. Maybe give it a shot and see if it works for you!

SuPitt!! I am with Summerdawn on this. I think it is important to use the size QSnap you like. That is what I do. I position the frame where I want it and gently roll the fabric TOWARD the frame and carefully pin it. By rolling the fabric toward the frame...you protect the top of the fabric that you will be working on later. I have been using this method for many years....including my large L&L project...Santa of the Forest! Good luck on your project...wow....sounds inspirational to me!!

I am with summerdawn and jerseycrafter on this one. I use a hoop and on the larger projects start in the upper left corner and pin excess fabric all the way around. It keeps it out of the way and keeps it clean. I use either a round hoop or an oval hoop. Sometimes I use my q snaps - depends on the mood and the pattern/fabric. I just started my third larger project/cover all Monday night and it is working well. Wish you all the best in the world as these larger coverall patterns open up a whole new world in stitching. Keep us posted on how this is working for you SuPitt.
cheryl

I work on large projects, but I do not work with frames. I roll up the fabric on both sides and use hair-clips to hold it. I wear thin white cotton gloves while working to keep the fabric clean. The finger tips are cut off so that I don't stitch myself to the fabric (was a problem in the beginning). Have fun!

I, too, like to work with Q-snaps. What I do with the extra fabric is roll it up towards the frame but instead of pinning it I use the big plastic hair clips (like for a "bun") to hold it out of your way. You can get a package at a dollar store & the clips fit comfortably around the snap frame. Also no worry that pins could tear the fabric if they got pulled by accident. I also never leave snaps over finished work for too long. When I'm finished stitching for the day I remove the snaps from over the finished stitches. I put a thin piece of paper towel under the snap that covers the stitched part to keep the snap from possibly catching on the threads. Hope this helps.

Hi Su,
Forgive my limited mental capacity, but which HAED pattern title are you working on?
Also, I agree with the others, go with the Q-Snap frame size you are comfortable with! If you need to move it around, even if it means clamping onto some of the area already cross stitched, then I think it won't cause any harm. I strongly suggest to take the Q-Snap clamps off when you are done working on it like the other stitcher suggested. I strongly suggest you avoid SLIDING THE CLAMPS ON or OFF the part of the pattern where the stitching is completed to avoid any chance of the cross stitched area getting caught.

I take CLEAN rubberbands and make "ponytails" in the corners with the extra fabric to keep it out of my way.

Can't believe I never thought to roll the fabric with the top side in! Duh! You are all amazing!

Thanks for all your help! I think I may choose the hair clip method.

Brrmuda, my pattern from HAED is "Pug on a Suitcase". The artist is famous for his animal paintings. They have our favorite dogs, Pugs amd Boston Terriers in several other HAED patterns from his paintimgs. I think one will be enough. It will be for the DH, as all our girl dogs gravitate to him...the boys like me! I decided on this HAED as it matches the little bronze (statue) that DH bought for me in an antique shop...the Pugs always get in/on a suitcase to stop us from going without them.

Now that it is all kitted up, all I need to get hair clips or safety pins. I will just pull up my Depends and get to it!
Thanks again, folks!

When doing a very very large project I fold the excess fabric back and pin it with my large quilting pins. I only use a 7 inch plastic and metal tension hoop when I stitch so I don't need all that fabric hanging down. This system has worked well for me for over 30 years of stitching.

Syagel brings an interesting point on her post of 05/21! I also use what I call "quilting" pins. They have a flat, round head which looks like a flat button. They are extra long pins and do not put any stress on the fabric itself. The fact that they lay flat keeps your thread of catching on them as you are working. I do not use safety pins as I don't want to stress the fabric at all!!