Hoops/Bars/Stretchers

[Kala852]

Do you like to use a hoop/bars/stretchers? For my nyan cat towel I havn't but for a kit I'm doing I am. I still havn't decided which I like better, and I'd like some info from my fellow stitchers.

[predawn]

For a long time I used hoops, but I hated the marks it made in the fabric and it was annoying taking it out every time I wasn't going to be stitching for a while. I recently switched to Qsnaps, and even though I was hesitant at first, I love them now! It's a lot easier to keep the fabric tight, and I've heard from others that you can keep your work in the bars without fear of damaging the fabric, although I haven't tested this myself. It's also easier on my hand in regards to holding the frame.

[Kala852]

I think I have a Qsnap. Are those the square frames made out of PVC-type material with pieces to hold the fabric on?

[Eliste]

For me it really depends on the project.

I like hoops, but only if they can hold the entire project inside them at one time, and not if I'm using finer materials like linen or silk.

I'm a huge fan of frames- slate or roller. I like the tension you get and you can leave them on the bars between sittings with little issue.

Not keen on bars- the frame types. They have their purposes, sure, but I find them annoying to work with. They often have to be bigger than I like to work with.

[corbin]

I've been tempted to get a set of qsnaps and I might break down and get some before I move because they seem really convenient. I have recently been using hoops because I have a lot of smaller projects going and since they are relatively inexpensive it makes switching between projects easy. I have a scroll frame with the slit in it and find that if I stitch on one side or area too long the tension eases up just in that area which is annoying. I've heard from some of the regular customers that come in to frame their cross stitches where I work that the bars you sew the fabric to hold the tension better and that it is worth the extra step of sewing it on but haven't actually tried it. But I do agree with Eliste that it is very dependent upon what type of project you are doing.

[blackberrybear]

i have qsnaps and scroll frames. For aida cloth I prefer the scroll frame as the qsnap was awakard to hold and would not come off easy. My qsnap I am using on an afaghan because its too big to stick in the frame. I also think it comes off easier because the fabric is thicker.

[predawn]

I think I have a Qsnap. Are those the square frames made out of PVC-type material with pieces to hold the fabric on?

Yes, those are Qsnap bars.

[Kala852]

I think I have a Qsnap. Are those the square frames made out of PVC-type material with pieces to hold the fabric on?

Yes, those are Qsnap bars.

Okay, thanks.