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Choosing a Needlecraft Frame

At Siesta Frames we are often asked for advice on the type of frame to use for a project and the ease or difficulty of using them. There are so many working frames available today that it is very easy to become confused over which type to choose, especially when you are a beginner.
The following gives a brief discussion of the use of a variety of popular frames, including some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of frame

Points to remember when choosing a frame: -
1. Type of fabric, e.g. fine, coarse, etc.
2. Size of the work
3. Weight of frame (in case of physical problems such as arthritis).
4. Type of stitches involved in the project.
5. Portability.
6. Ease of assembly.
7. Will it be used in a stand?
8. Cost

*HOOPS*
Hoops are perhaps the least expensive and most readily available frame. They are mainly circular but some oval ones are available. They are very simple to use and can be moved around easily, but care should be taken not to put the hoop over stitched areas as this may damage the stitching. Square or rectangular designs require an extra fabric allowance all around and a larger hoop may be required to enable stitching into the corners, this often means wasted fabric. Where a project has both freestyle and counted embroidery stitches, the hoop is quickly and easily positioned or removed as required. Hoops are generally not suitable for canvas work.. There are two main types of hoops, embroidery and quilting.
	Quilting hoops are typically 1" (25mm) deep and range in size from 12" to 18" diameter and made of wood. As the name implies they are primarily used for quilting or other large projects.
	Embroidery hoops are typically 3/8" (10mm) deep and range in size from 3" to 12" diameter and are widey used in many needle crafts such as cross-stitching. Embroidery hoops come in a variety of styles annd materials, e.g. plastic, wood, spring tension, etc. Ideally,the hoop should be big enough to enclose the complete design and hoops are therefore generally better for use with smaller projects.
Wooden hoops can be bound with tape before use to prevent marking the fabric and slipping. Ideally, the hoop should be big enough to enclose the complete design and hoops are therefore restricted to smaller projects.
Square or rectangular designs require an extra fabric allowance all around and a larger hoop can be used to enable stitching into the corners, this often means wasted fabric. Where a project has both freestyle and counted embroidery stitches, the hoop is quickly and easily positioned or removed as required. Hoops are generally not so suitable for canvas work.
Plastic Hoops sometimes have a large tightening screw which makes it easier to tighten with arthritic hands and wrists.
Spring Tension Hoops are more expensive but they have an inner sprung metal ring providing superior tension. They are easier to adjust than hoops with a fiddly screw tightener. Spring hoops are available in smaller sizes 3" to 7"

Hoops pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Inexpensive	Work should not be left in hoops when not stitching to avoid hoop marks
Lightweight	Square or rectangular designs require an extra fabric allowance all around and a larger hoop can be used to enable stitching into the corners, this often means wasted fabric.
Easily put together Good tension Takes up little room Good for small projects	Where a project has both freestyle and counted embroidery stitches, the hoop is quickly and easily positioned or removed as required. Hoops are generally not so suitable for canvas work

Tapestry Frames/ Hand Rotating Frames
Traditional tapestry or hand rotating frames are suitable for needlepoint and cross-stitch and can be used with canvas, aida cloth, linen, etc. The frames come in various sizes, usually consisting of 12” side bars and a pair of rollers. The rollers have a strip of canvas for stitching the fabric onto. These frames are generally sold as a complete frame and the side bars and rollers are not sold separately.
	.Once stitched on the excess fabric is rolled up until the required tension is achieved. Work is usually left on the frame until finished.

Pros	Cons
Work is kept flat and clean	Fiddly to stitch the cloth on to the canvas strips.
Reasonably priced	Work can sometimes come loose during progress and has to be stitched on again
Good range of sizes	Frame quite heavy
Suitable for most size projects

No-Sew Roller Frames
This type of hand rotating frame does the same job as the “traditional” tapestry frame but has several differences. Side bars and rollers are sold separately enabling the stitcher to use any size side bar with any width roller.
	The fabric is attached to the rollers with masking tape and secured with a desktop stapler. The wood is very lightweight and takes a staple easily.
The frames are easily converted to floor or lap stands with the compatible legs available separately.

Pros	Cons
No stitching on	Requires a desk top stapler
Mix and match sizes
Up to 50% lighter than traditional frames
Good tension
Easily converts to lap or floor stand

Siesta Clip'n'Sew Roller Frames Clip'n'Sew roller frames are hand rotating frames that are similar to Siesta's No-Sew frames in that the side bars and rollers are sold separately enabling the stitcher to use any size side bar with any width roller. But in addition the fabric is held in place on the specially profiled plastic rollers and plastic clips hold the fabric firmly and give a circular profile when the fabric is rolled up on the roller.

Siesta Mini No-Sew Frames
If you stitch a lot of small projects, the Mini No-Sew frame is probably for you. They are great for small things such as cards, mini bell pulls, bookmarks and small pictures.
	The fabric is taped on to the rollers with masking tape and just rolled up.
Various size rollers fit into 4”, 6” or 9” side bars. The made up frame is lightweight and only suitable for finer fabrics such as aida and linen.

Pros	Cons
Excellent for small projects	Limited to finer weight fabrics
Very light to hold
No wasted fabric
Easily set up
Finished work is clean and crease free

Easy Clip Frame
The Easy Clip is another type of roller frame which does not require stitching on of the fabric.
	The fabric is held in place with plastic clips which slot into a groove on the rollers. The frame is easily set up and holds aida cloth, linen and canvas.

Pros	Cons
Quick to assemble	Care with clips when rolling on
Good tension
Lots of sizes

Universal Craft Frame
This popular plastic frame is ideal for quilting, cross-stitch and tapestry work. There is a good variety of sizes, both square and rectangular.
	The fabric is held in place with plastic clips on all sides. As with hoops care should be taken to not to place the clips over stitched areas.

Pros	Cons
Very easy to assemble	Slightly bulkier to hold
Suits most fabrics
Variety of sizes
Whole of the stitching area in view

Able Stretcher
The Able Stretcher is an adjustable plastic frame which forms squares and rectangles and is suitable for most fabrics. The frame can be made smaller or larger by moving the corner pegs into holes in the sides of the frame.
	The work is held in place with plastic clips slotted into a groove in the frame.

Pros	Cons
Good tension	Larger sizes are best worked in a stand
Each frame adjustable in size	More difficult to hold when frame is reduced down to its smallest size.
Total stitching area in view	Take care not to lose clips

*Siesta Interlocking Bar Frames*
This is probably the most lightweight wooden frame on the market today.
	The wooden bars come in pairs of different sizes and any two pairs lock together at the corners to make a square or rectangular frame, e.g. one pair of 8” and one pair of 10” make a frame 8" by 10”.
The frame is made to fit the fabric which is edged with masking tape and attached to the frame with drawing pins or staples.
	Very small pieces of fabric can be stretched in this way, cutting out waste and many sizes of bars are available to suit all size requirements. Suitable for most types of fabric and perfect for use in stands due to the lightness of the frame.

Pros	Cons
Extremely light to hold	Largest sizes are best worked in a stand
Makes any size
Finished work does not require stretching or ironing
Perfect with stands
Packs of sizes available
Total stitching area in view

Grip-n-Stitch
A new type of plastic frame consisting of assorted pieces which screw and slot together to make a frame size of your choice.
	When the frame is assembled, strips of fabri-grip slide onto the sides which grips the fabric in place.
Each pack makes assorted square and rectangular frames from 7” square up to 14” square.
	The pack includes protective side pieces to cover the fabri-grip teeth when holding the frame.

Pros	Cons
Multi sizes	Lots of small pieces
Excellent tension	Takes time to assemble
Finished work is stretched

Freedom Frame
	The Freedom Frame is a top of the range tapestry frame providing excellent tension which is easily applied and adjusted by rotating the side bars. It is suitable for all types of fabric, including heavier weight canvas.
The fabric is held in place by wooden rods and requires no stitching on.
	Additional width rollers are available separately.

Pros	Cons
Excellent tension	Slightly heavier frame
No stitching on	Larger sizes best used with a stand
Quality materials
Stand available
Good range of sizes

Hands Free Stitching

Certain frames are easier to work with if placed in a stand. One of the most versatile stands on the market today is the StitchMaster Floor Stand. The stand holds any type of frame without clamping and is fully adjustable for height and width. A chart holder, halogen light and magnifier are also available as optional extras.

A good selection of the different types of Needlecraft Work Stands can be seen at Siesta's Needlecraft Stands.

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These are just some of the frames widely available today. Everyone has their own personal favourite type of frame and the above information is purely a guide.

All of the above are available on Siesta's web site or can be ordered by telephone (01202) 813363..

For the complete range of frames, stands and accessories including our award winning magnetic products visit our website http://siestaframes.com.

If you would like a copy of our mail order catalogue please send your name and address to sales@siestaframes.com.