I am in the same boat. The project that I am working on is a larger size too and I have been using a 10" hoop. I have been searching for a different way to work on it, so I am looking for suggestions also. This will be the biggest one I have done. I have gotten along fine with the hoop this far, and only have limited experience with Q snaps. My biggest issue it the excess material while using the hoop. I have been rolling it up and holding it with elastic from a couple of socks to keep it out of the way but it is very bulky.

Sorry Simone for not being any help!

Hi Simone -- Finding the correct hoop is trial and error. Each project is different. Where are you going to be sitting? Maybe you would like to invest in a floor stand. That would keep your whole project taut while you are stitching. When I used to stitch large projects I used a floor stand. Then while sitting on a chair I would pull the stand forward onto my lap. I found that easier than using a frame of the same size. I have at least a dozen different hoops. It varies from project to project. I might have a 12 x 12 inch piece. Sometimes I would use an 8" hoop and the next a six inch.

You said that you are inexperienced. I am concerned. I don't want to sound negative but I must give my opinion. If you are still a new stitcher I would advice against doing a large project. The size you mentioned is very large. It probably has a lot of different colors. It might have fractional stitches or French knots. It might become frustrating .

I highly recommend doing at least a dozen smaller piece. (less than ten by ten inches) before attempting this very large project. If you have already done this and really love the hobby ignore my advice.

I agree with NancyeG. If you are an inexperienced stitcher this is not a project to work on until you have done some smaller ones. You need some experience before working on something this large so you won't get discouraged and give up a great hobby.

When I stitch my projects very large or small I use a 7 inch plastic and metal spring tension hoop. Have done this for over 30 years. if I am doing really small like an ornament I use a 3 inch plastic and metal spring tension hoop.

Hope this helps.

I have a floor stand and a lap stand that I use for my larger projects. I like that they keep the excess fabric rolled up neatly on the bar, are flat and provide a large area to work on before having to readjust the fabric, and most importantly, they provide a place for me to attach my magnifying glass with light - hit 40 and suddenly can't see up close ... sigh :( - Andrea

I don't think I understand how the stands or lap stands work. How wide does your stand or lap stand go? The project I am working on is wider then what the stands are listed for, so how do you make that work?

I am so glad I read this. I am fairly new to cross stitch and was itching to go from my little project to a HUGE one. I think the idea of a dozen smaller projects is such a good idea for a beginner and I will be doing this. I am ok with fractionals and french knots as they are in the project I am working on now but I tend to lose interest in a project quickly. Thank you so much for the advice even if it wasn't meant for me. :)

Hi Simone, This business of selecting what type of frame to use for stitching is tricky!! I would suggest first of all that you google: Killer Quality Needlework Lap Stand. Scroll until you find the title...it is under You Tube. Brittany Lynn gives a video presentation explaining exactly how this stand works. Not that you will want to buy "that" one...it will give you a better "mental picture" of what this is all about. On that page to the right will be many offerings showing different types of stands. As for me...I have stands but don't use them much anymore because I don't like all of the "reaching". I use QSnap frames which are plastic, create a square frame for you to use, keeps your fabric taught and can be made various sizes by "extenders" you can buy. (You can also google QSnap and see a video of how they work!) I just started Portrait of Father Christmas. My fabric is 22 x 27 inches. It is a 25 count Laguna, I am going one thread over one stitch of fabric. I am working on an 8 x 8 inch QSnap. I lay out the project after it is in the frame and very carefully begin "folding up" the excess fabric and pinning it with long "Quilting Pins". Then (I dreamed this up on my own), I take a heavier DMC thread used for lacing pictures in the back and baste around the entire picture loosely and carefully. Then I take out all of the pins. This way I can move the project around and it makes the whole thing easier to handle! I hope I haven't confused you!!!

Carissa -- this information is for anyone who takes the time to read it. There is always something to learn. Keep on reading and asking questions. Some of the answers will work for you and some of them won't.

Jerseycrafter, do you have any trouble with the Q Snaps being on your finished stitching if you are using an 8 x 8? I have a set of 8 x 8's but was worried about crushing my stitching. I was thinking about getting a bigger set so I wouldn't have all the excess fabric to keep out of the way.

tspitz, There are no problems with applying the QSnap over your stitched areas. I have completed several Lavender & Lace (Marilyn Imblum) projects which are on Raw Linen (32 count). The fabric is delicate! When you remove the frame to access your next area of stitching, just do it carefully. When you move it your stitches will look a little "flattened" but it will not damage them. When I am finished, I always wash my projects and then iron them on the "back side". This makes all of the stitches "perk up" and will make the design look finished and complete!! Hope this helps you.

P.S. The reason I don't usually use a larger QSnap is.....I don't like the "reaching" necessary to go to the back of the fabric. Guess I am just getting old!!!!