hoop or frame

[ex_pippin880]

Hi! I've just recently started doing cross stitch, and one of my future projects is about 260x200 pixels (err, squares?). Is that a size that would be better off with a frame, or would a hoop be (annoying but) okay?

Comments

[schalakitty]

Ehehe! Another sprite stitcher! Your Prinny is just precious and I'm sure you'll have some more wonderful stitches in the future. As for hoop or frame, I have to say that I am liking this plastic frame I bought at JoAnne's recently. Sadly, I can't seem to find a picture of it online. It is a 10x8 frame that snaps together that I've been using for embrodiery but would work with cross-stitch as well. For something that large, I would go with a big hoop, at least 10 inches or so.

May I ask what you'll be working on? I have to admit that I am curious.

[ex_pippin880]

Thank you!

It's gonna be cut scene pixel art of the main characters from The World Ends With You. :3 They are monstrously big compared to what I've been doing, but should be good.

:( America has such better craft stores than us. I'll have to order something like that online, I think. All I've seen in Perth are huge wooden frames, and only a tiny spring tension plastic hoop...

[schalakitty]

Ah, I loved TWEWY. Those pins are super cute and perfectly sized for the coasters I love to make so much.

Yah, ordering online is probably best in this case. I hope you find something you like!

[aunty_marion]

You can use a hoop for something that size, but you'll obviously only be able to work on part of it at any one time (unless, of course, you buy a ginormous hoop!). Also, if using a smaller hoop on a large design, remember to pad the inside ring of the hoop (I use tape wound round it), and take the hoop OFF the design when you're not actively stitching, otherwise you'll end up distorting the fabric where the hoop has been.

Personally, I only use hoops for smaller things; for anything large I have a variety of frames. My favourite ones are the Siesta bar frames - they're wooden bars with dovetail ends, and you buy them in pairs. Then you can slot two pairs of the same length or different lengths together to make the size frame you need. Fix the fabric onto the frame with the flat three-pin thumbtacks. I've got loads of bars, so I can make up anything from three inches square to (say, should I ever need anything so outrageous!) three inches by 24 inches!

[ex_pippin880]

Thank you very much for the rec! The Siesta bars look really nice.

[lovemonkey17]

I know this is from months and months ago.. but I use Q-snap frames, and love them! http://www.qsnap.com/