Scroll Frames

[QueenBex]

I just got myself a huge scroll frame much like this;

Spoiler

It's 27 inches, and I've just put it together, in preparation for my next big project, a cross stitch of the Avengers for my local comic book guy.

I'm just wondering how many of you use one and if you have any tips for me, as I've never used one before, I'm usually a hoop person, but the size of the project makes hoops impratical... My main worry is holding it, I can't afford a stand of any kind, I thought I could always rest it on the floor while I work on the top bits then rest it on the table for the bottom bits. If push comes to shove I am able to cross stitch upside down (making sure I keep the stitches going in the same direction that is)

Tips, warnings, funny stories are very much welcome and I hope this thread can be a go to for others starting to use scroll frames.

[Knittenkitten]

Is it a split-rail frame type? Where the fabric slides into the rails and is then held in place by the pressure of the side pieces? I've used them before and I absolutely hated it. The fabric kept slipping and sliding in the frame and wouldn't stay tight for nothing. I've actually been using the Q-snaps and find that it is a whole lot easier to keep the fabric tight. Though for something as big as what you're doing I would get a couple of them and make my own frame to use. But that's just me.

[funkymonkey]

When I used my 18" frame for the epic mario, I generally sat in an armchair and balanced it between a TV tray and my stomach or the arm of the chair so both hands were free. I rotated it 180 degrees if I was working at the top edge so I didn't have to reach so far away. Probably not the best method, but it worked for me!

[QueenBex]

Is it a split-rail frame type?

No it's one where you sew it onto the frame... I can imagine the split-rail ones are really annoying...

[QueenBex]

When I used my 18" frame for the epic mario, I generally sat in an armchair and balanced it between a TV tray and my stomach or the arm of the chair so both hands were free. I rotated it 180 degrees if I was working at the top edge so I didn't have to reach so far away. Probably not the best method, but it worked for me!

I have a feeling there will be a lot of moving around, balancing and juggling with this, and of course not one to be working on in public, unless you can rest it on a friend or something

[QueenBex]

I'm still sorting out the threads before I trim down my aida, I hope i can sew it on so it stays tight but at the same time not damage the ends...

For hoops its recommended to take the piece out of the hoop between working on it, is the same recommended for scroll frames? Although I'm guessing its not necessary...

Also does anyone have any tips to protect my wrists while I work on this? I'll try and rest it against things as much as I can, but may have to hold it up a few times...

Would anyone be interested if I kept updating this thread with my experiences of the scroll frame as I use it?

[funkymonkey]

I didn't have any problem with the frame damaging the fabric, but I did get some stains from holding the edges where it was wrapped around. If you're going to have it "stuck" in the same position for an extended period of time, I'd suggest getting some scrap fabric (i use old t-shirt scraps now) just to protect it from finger oils over months. My favorite part of my Q-snap is that it protects over the edges so I can hold it, but I feel like it's rougher on the fabric than my scroll frame was.

[QueenBex]

Tip the first; find centre of your fabric before you attach it to the frame...

[QueenBex]

I didn't have any problem with the frame damaging the fabric, but I did get some stains from holding the edges where it was wrapped around. If you're going to have it "stuck" in the same position for an extended period of time, I'd suggest getting some scrap fabric (i use old t-shirt scraps now) just to protect it from finger oils over months.

Great tip there thanks! I tend to wash my hands a lot, some scrap fabric would certainly help

[Eliste]

For me it's always about reducing the area to be worked on down to a minimum. For me, that generally meant long width (30" pair is my largest), but maybe 8" high with all excess rolled up on the frame. It's far less weildy that way, and I can still use both hands similarly to a hoop. Dont hold the frame. Its totally impractical and will kill your wrist. Rather than gripping the frame, I usually rest it on my forearm so my hand is still free.

The suggestion of using some scrap fabric for the edges is a good one, not just for helping with cleanliness but also if you do it right it can be what takes the strain of lacing so it doesn't tear your fabric. Basically, stitch scrap fabric to the edges then do the lacing from the scrap instead of the good fabric. Muslin works well I find.

There's no real need to break a scroll frame down when not stitching, but if you're leaving it up for an extended time I tend to relax the frame slightly (ever so slightly) just to give the lacings a break. Plus- cover that project! It's easy to forget about it on a frame in the corner and coming back to find it dusty sucks.

Also, consider your stitch order. While I prefer starting at center for a hoop, I invariably end up starting at the top for a framed project and work down. It's much easier to do everything in blocks along a row, then shift the fabric up for the next stuff.

Pro-tip- roll your fabric UNDER not over the frame. This will keep your stitches and the good side of the material protected at all times when you're not stitching it.