This item is made to hold from everywhere. Not just from the 2 sides. Enjoy.

I do not have this particular scroll frame, so am speaking about my knowledge of the one I own. My scroll frame is also a split rod, and it only holds the fabric with the top and bottom round rods (which are split - fabric is inserted into the split). Once you have the fabric in the splits and tighten it down, it does hold well. The sides of the fabric are not held in place, but that doesn't affect the tautness. I'm not sure the scroll part of the frame would work properly if the sides of the fabric were also held down.

It does not hold well. I had to keep tightening my fabric and sitting on it made me sit up completely straight at all times because if I sat back it would tilt towards me. No offense miss c but you must have a different one then I did because I hated it. Bought it trashed it in three days.