Cross-Stitching

Hi Kelly! I've used hoops and never had a problem with marks. I always take my aida out of the hoop, after I'm done stitching, for the evening. I also purchased a lap-stand/scroll frame. I gotta say that I absolutely love it. It's nice not to have to hold a hoop, ecspecially if it's a large piece. It also helps my carpol tunnel syndrome from kicking in. Go to top

• Reply from Stacie

  Tuesday, September 29, 2009 8:42 PM

  I also like using a frame. I've been surfing the net looking for a lap/table scroll frame. I've found several that I like. I'm a novice stitcher I can't make up my mind which one would work best. For those of you who use lap scroll frames, can you recommend an adequate size, material, or even a specific brand?
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Hi Kelly,
I use hoops bound with linen strips for stitching and I made the mistake of leaving the hoop on my first piece of work and when I'd finished I did have feint hoop marks on the aida. I learned from my mistake and now remove the work from the hoop at the end of each stitching session. I also have a floor stand to hold the hoop so that I can 'two handed stitch' which I find very comfortable.

Hope this info helps. Go to top

Check out Q-snap frames. They're a lot more friendly than hoops, and they hardly leave any crease at all. It's kind of difficult to describe, but think of putting the aida cloth over an empty picture frame (without the glass cover or back) and then putting clamps on all 4 sides. It's really easy to use - it takes only half a minute or so to set it up. I ordered mine brand new off of ebay, and I love it. For pictures, go to ebay and search for Q SNAP FRAME or try this link: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?satitle=q snap frame
I hope this helps! Go to top

I don't use hoops nor scrolls when stitching on aida fabric.

I find it more relaxing just to roll my fabric and hold it in my left hand (I am right handed). I somehow have secretly trained three fingers on my left hand to check for any knots or loose threads on the back side of the fabric.

For me the hoops and scrolls are only needed for the different stitches of embroidery or needlepoint. Go to top

I tend to just stitch in hand, but I do have a rather large pattern that I may end up putting in something. I don't leave my hoops on my fabric (when I use them) unless I am actually stitching and I think that helps a little bit with the marks. Go to top

I put 2 layers of tissue paper between my hoop and adia. It still leaves a mark but no where near as noticable. Plus it helps from crushing your stiches in the hoop.
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• Reply from Sherrie

  Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:55 PM

  Hello, I have heard about this. So you lay two pieces of tissue paper over your piece of aida and then put your hoops on and tear away so that you can work your design correct? Go to top

Best idea I've found is to just take it out of the hoop after the end of each session and roll it back into it's tube. Go to top

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  Reply from Melissa

  Friday, December 19, 2008 7:04 PM

  I dont really know what to say about this either, cause I have been stitching now for 16yrs with hoops,and never have taken the project out at night. I use both the wood and plastic ones and have never had an problem with leaving marks.
  Sorry, MELISSA Go to top

  • Reply from mkm

    Saturday, December 20, 2008 10:57 AM

    This has been an interesting discussion with so many opinions. I'll add mine! I have been stitching since the early 1980s. One of the first things I stitched that was large enough to put into a hoop, I used a red plastic one. I did not take the fabric out of the hoop until the design was completed. Much to my horror, there was a red ring around the design, and I was never able to get it out of the fabric! Since then, I have never used a hoop - I have rolled the fabric and held it in my left hand for most of my stitching. I do have one large design that I am stitching on roller rods. Go to top

I always use the Q snap frames. They are alot better I think than hoops and they don't leave the marks like hoops do. Go to top

I used to use hoops and would put a piece of tissue paper between the hoop and the material. Sometimes I would leave it on for days and will admit that I never had a problem. Now I like using the wooden scroll frames, I can keep it in there and it's all ready to just pick up. I will have to check out the Q snap frames. Another thing you could try is rolling in the ends and pin them in place, then just move the pins when you move to another section. Go to top

I started using Q snaps earlier this year after trying hoops and in hand method for years. I never get marks with Q snap frames and find it easier to adjust and tighten material. Go to top

I have stitched with both hoops and an EZ stitch stand that uses scrolls. I love the stand, but it is not easy to travel with (although you can) and I use first aid cloth tape to attach my project to the scroll. It works great and leaves no residue. As for hoops I use a "spring hoop", and I remove it when I'm not stitching, but I find that the marks disappear when I wash my project after I've completed it, and then I press it (wrong side only), and you can't see any marks at all. Go to top

NO MORE HOOP FOR ME! About 20 years ago I swallowed hard (price for me at the time) and bought a floor stand that creates a scroll. I was never able to get my fabric to stay as taught in a hoop, I can use it on or off the stand, and it has lasted with zero issues for 20 years. Mine does not allow you to convert to small project but many now do. The other thing I would suggest for smaller projects is a Q Snap frame with a Grime Guard. The other thing I did not like about a hoop is the hanging corners of fabric. With a Q snap depending on the size and the size of your project you may not get any overhang- if you do, you can tuck the overhang in the grime guard that can be purchased to go around it and it is a little more substancial to hold than a skinny hoop. Go to top

I use tissue paper and tear around it as I get the area it works well and keeps the oils and dirts from gettin on the cloth Go to top

Used to use hoops... tossed them out...then used stretcher bars...BUT recently found the BEST thing: E-Z Scroll frame. Comes in different sizes. "Michael's Craft Store" carries them or you can go to their web site: www.adp-usa.com It uses velcro on the scroll bars and then you put velcro on your material. Keeps it taut the entire time you are stitching...I previously purchased the scroll bars that are split...you tighten them with these "wing-nuts".... never worked! They are sitting in my basement! I absolutely love thes E-Z scroll ones! Just bought the 14, 16 and 18 length ones today. A bit expensive but well worth it! Go to top

• Reply from mkm

  Friday, July 3, 2009 1:58 PM

  I use the split scroll bars with a floor stand, and find that they hold the cross-stitch material taut. I have never used the velcro system, but imagine that it would work fine too.
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Regardless of the size, I have NEVER used a hoop after ruining a piece. I just keep the side rolled up to where I am stitching and have learned to keep it taut. I've done it this way over 30 years.

Our Michaels has more than Hobby Lobby, but I still order out of magazines more than buying there. Go to top

• Reply from Elaine

  Thursday, August 27, 2009 11:59 PM

  I have been using hoops also, but to my surprise I have found Q Snaps work very good Wouldn't work without them. Go to top