Scroll frames - any advice?

[Aelys]

So, I've been cross-stitching on my grandma's ancient hoop as far as I remember (we're talking over 20 years now), which was great for smaller projects but not so much for the big ones I've been doing lately. I'm getting more and more annoyed at the marks it leaves on the fabric and some of the stitches seem to get all weird, too. I was considering upgrading to a scroll frame, but I don't know anything about them and would love to get advice.

It's a long-term investment, so I don't mind spending some money to get a good quality product. Hovewer, it's essential that it has a lap stand because I stitch with both hands (the joys of being left-handed) and I would hate having to hold the frame in one hand while stitching with the other. Would I have to buy the stand separately and, if yes, how do I attach it? Also, are there any recommended brands?

Thanks!

[Nitewing]

I've had trouble with my lap frame. I dunno, they seem hard put together and hard to get the fabric situated properly in them. I just stitch without frames or hoops usually.

[blackmageheart]

I just stitch without frames or hoops usually.

I'm also a fan of stitching in the hand. I'd much rather do that than use hoops or frames. And I usually do!
But, sometimes I do use the hoops and frames. I have a very large roller frame, made of wood, which is adjustable and very sturdy. It's the type you are supposed to sew your project onto, although I just tape 'em on with masking tape
I would recommend a large free standing scroll frame like that for large and very large projects - to give you an example of the size, I used to have the epic pokemon pattern on mine (rolled up, of course!)
It is made by Elbesee - they make hand frames as well as different kinds of floor frames. I've tried the posilock one they do and it's pretty good. They are a UK company, but I bought mine from an ebay shop (brand new) so you might have some luck there. I think it cost me around £30 (about $50? I'm not good at currency!)

Here is a link to the Elbesee site if you'd like to check out their products: http://www.elbesee.co.uk/index.html

As for stuff in the USA, I've seen people mention Q-snaps, I've never used one but by all accounts they are superior to hoops and very good quality, so you might like to have a look at those too!

Hope that helped a little! ^_^

[Eliste]

I would absolutely 100% buy the stand separately. One stand, many frames. Thats the way to do it.

The stand I have is fairly a fairly simple lap stand like this one here. Anything that's versatile like this is great because you can use it with any hoop and any frame you get. Elbesee is good. Anything Mace & Nairn stock is good usually. If you're planning on working big big projects, and not using a hoop, consider a floor stand or a stand that attaches to a tabletop, as the bigger the frame, the harder it is to work in your lap.

How do you use it? Very easily. There is basically a clamp that you can screw down to hold the frame in place. The best ones also rotate up/down so you can get your stitching into a good alignment for you.

As for the frames, gotta admit I'm not a Qsnap fan, but I'm also a bit of a snob. I love slate frames. Do things once and then you're good to stitch day after day without having to do anything more than put things in your stand. Mary Corbet on http://www.needlenthread.com/ explains them well in this post here. This is her take on Qsnaps. Roller frames are also an option, but there is more lacing/relaxing involved, but you can work larger pieces in a much smaller space.

[Aelys]

Thanks a lot for the great advice!

So, after researching the topic for 24 hours (and becoming completely overwhelmed by it), I've decided that most depends on how I'm going to use the scroll frame (furniture, sitting position, etc.). I usually sit on my counch, cross-legged, with my laptop on a computer stand in front of me displaying the pattern (I never print anything). So, floor stands are not an option and I need to find a good lap stand that is compatible with my sitting position. I like the one you have, Eliste, and it seems to be my best option so far, but where do you place the base when you sit? Does it rest on top of your legs, or do you secure it under one of your legs? (gosh, I hope I explained myself somewhat half decently...) Otherwise, another option could be this or even this one.

As for the scroll frame itself, I saw one today that had Qsnaps on the wooden scrolls, but I'm not completely sold on Qsnaps. The working area was pretty large (about 24"), but only 8" high, which made me wonder if it's not too little. Wouldn't you have to keep scrolling up and down all the time? Incidentally, the first project I'm planning to do on the scroll frame is the epic "Mario Thru The Ages", which is massive... that's why I'm so concerned!

[Eliste]

I usually hold it between my legs with the flat bit under one leg. I can even curl my feet up and sit sideways and get it to work. The one I have has an adjustable height as well which is very useful.

What you say about the scrolling up and down is exactly what I don't like about roller frames and why I prefer slate frames. However, for truly large pieces, it's almost the only way to do them without a floor stand. Otherwise you end up with a frame that is too huge to manage on your lap.