Newbie with first large project question...
I've recently become hooked on cross stitching! I've already completed a handful of small patterns and now want to dive into a 22" x 32" pattern! I've realized this may not be suitable for the average hoop frame. Can someone guide me into what frame I need to purchase? I've seen scrolls and frames available, but have no clue what I should be looking for to complete this project. Thanks for your input!
Posted by: Crane Woman on 05/28/19
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Honestly, what you use to hold your stitching really depends on what you are comfortable with. I use a 6" or 7" hoop most of the time, but I do have two scroll frames. One is quite large, 24" and the other is about 8". I really love the hoops and even on the large patterns I don't have trouble moving it around to the different areas I am working on. My hands are small and I have arthritis and even though I own a couple of large hoops, I don't use them because to me they are not comfortable. Like I said though, it really is what you like and prefer. When you use a super large hoop, you have a huge area exposed that you really don't need and I find it cumbersome. I am sure other stitchers can give you some great tips. I forgot to say "Welcome to the world of cross stitch addiction!" You are helping keep this craft/skill alive. Peace. Pam
Posted by: pamelastine11 on 05/28/19
I am working on a large project and use a 7 inch hoop. I have tried q snaps and just like hoops better. Easier for me to hold. If you want to try something different you could try the larger q snaps to see if you would like something larger to work with before investing in a scroll frame.
Posted by: LynMarNorth Carolina on 05/28/19
Hi!
I’m a confirmed Q-Snap frame user but like the other stitchers have said, you need to find what you are comfortable with.
Also, keep a few things in mind when deciding to purchase a frame to use on a larger project:
1) Weight: If you are going to hold the frame with your
Hands while you stitch, it should be
lightweight; OR consider a tabletop, laptop or
standing frame.
2) Frame dimensions: With your 22” wide x 32” High
project, consider how much arm
reach you will need to reach UNDER
the frame with attached fabric to
Stitch comfortably, end your length
of floss, etc. Too large a frame
Causes wrist and arm strain AND
makes it very unwieldy; a floor
stand will support the project but
can be pricey. A tabletop frame
or lap frame would be helpful but
may restrict you on the WIDTH
Of your Fabric.
Hoops or Q-Snaps give you
THe advantage of moving them
around a large area; if using hoops
Remove them when done stitching
for the day to avoid nasty hoop
Marks. Q-Snaps you can leave on
your project but you still have to
remember about size and weight.
The scroll frames may be the ticket but I would keep in mind that you would need different Widths if you decide to
Work on a REALLY LARGE project that is wider than 22”. I defer to the scroll frame stitchers on this ‘chat to give you the best advice as to what they use. Here is a picture of a very large project on a 27” WIDE Q-Snap frame but the problem is the weight and width makes it very bulky to work with. With a Q-Snap, I won’t go larger than. 17” wide by 17” height frame unless I attach it to a stand frame.


Posted by: Bermuda on 05/28/19
I have to be contrary...I use the ADP scroll frames with the Velcro system of attachment...you will need scrolls 28-30" wide to accommodate 3" borders all around for your project of 22" side ( I may have assumed it was 22" wide...if 32" wide, you will need 38" bars! ) I find q-snaps too large to be comfortable in my hands and I dislike the extra fabric that must be contended with. I have a large height-adjustable table that I lean the scroll frame on....this frees both hands...large magnetic board with pattern, floss, and other tools sit on top.
Finding what is comfortable for you is important. A large project such as you plan, could just as easily be done "in hand", but that much fabric is a major factor in your comfort. Different hoops, q-snaps, scroll bars, and variances are sometimes expensive to experiment with. I'm a big encourager of purchase/try/return -it-if-you-hate-it....wish I had done that! All that cash for stash that I wasted! 😊
Posted by: VCESS on 05/28/19
Also, think about where you like to work on your projects and what’s practical for the spot. I’m usually stitching in the evenings after work and like to be comfy kicking back in my recliner, so I prefer a smaller hoop even for my giant projects.
Posted by: Gettin Stitchy With It on 05/28/19
I have been cross stitching for over 65 years and am stuck in my ways of doing things. I fell in love with q-snaps several years ago. For a huge project, I use my 17"x11" q-snap frame, as my forearm just can't stretch to 17". So, the width gets to be 17", the height 11". I like the fact that they are easy to move on the fabric. For these big fabrics, I use a Lowery stand to hold the q-snap frame. It lets me move the frame with just one screw! I use a recliner to sit in, as my medical issues make it necessary to move myself sometimes. Welcome to this chat group, which ECS let's us have on their website!
Posted by: Su Pitt on 05/28/19
I also swear by Q-SNAPS, & I have so many that I can make any size imaginable frame. However, I find that I am most comfortable using one configured to approx 17" wide x 12" high. I also attach it to my inexpensive wooden floor frame ( originally bought to hold scroll frames, till g-snaps came out). I like this size, as I can reach behind it easily enough, to either start or finish a thread. Attaching it to the floor frame, allows me to sit in my glider & stitch away. I also can leave the project attached to the stand, & just move it out of the way, while doing other stuff that gets in the way of stitching. Stuff like house cleaning, laundry, etc.
If you are even thing of investing in a floor stand, you don't need to get an expensive one, in case you don't like it. There is an inexpensive one on this site, that is like the one I use. Have had mine for years, & I believe it was only $29 way back then.
Whatever you do, you will find something that is comfortable for you. Just remember, to enjoy your hobby!! If you get frustrated, just come on & visit us all on this chat site, & you will get some chuckles.
Posted by: nita7 on 05/29/19
I'm a scroll frame lover, but like Gettin Stitchy says, it will depend on where and how you like to stitch. One problem with my method is your stitching ambitions exceed mine :) I'm using something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KM986NL/ref=dp_cerb_2?th=1 but the rods only come in 22" max width. However, I think VCESS' suggestion about 30" American Dream scroll rods could be substituted for the rods that come with this frame, since the threading for the knobs look the same. The fabric would attach differently, but I find both the clip system and velcro system work perfectly fine. Happy stitching!
Posted by: jackie.oshell on 05/29/19
Like everyone else has said, use what suits you. Some stitchers stitch in-hand, also, rather than using a hoop or anything like that. I once added fabric to the outside of a project and used a large (24 inch) quilting hoop. That was insane and hard to hold. For my full coverage large projects, I use small hoops that I can hold and use those large hair clips to keep the extra part rolled up. Good luck and enjoy your new large pattern!
Posted by: denise003 on 05/29/19
Well, I suppose this goes against everything other stitchers use but it works for me and only because I think when I started stitching 40 years ago, I didn't know any better or about any kind of stitching helpers. My projects usually tend to be around 14 X 16 inches when completed on 18 count. I simply roll the fabric or gently fold it over to focus on the specific area I'm stitching and use jumbo plastic paper clips to keep the fabric stable and folded and move them as I move along. Before someone says that would cause creases in fabric, yes it does but when finished I just iron the fabric and it's perfectly smooth with absolutely no creases. I realize of course other methods, such as hoops, etc., are popular but I'm used to this and like it.
Posted by: rozmeri on 05/29/19