How do you handle your work in progress?

If you do a quick Google search, you will find numerous articles detailing the pros and cons of using the various methods of maintaining evenness of stitches in your cross stitch project. I have to date worked my projects in hand or on a hoop. I will share my cross stitching experiences thus far.

In hand method: I had worked my first cross stitch project - "Cat and Flowers" by Dimensions-craft - using the in hand method, without any kind of framing aid.

Pros: The only advantage to this method was that I was able to work rather quickly using the sewing method as opposed to the stab method of cross stitching.

Cons: I had problems maintaining evenness of tension in the stitches, and the fabric became dirty and wrinkled despite my best efforts to keep it clean. Also, given that the pattern was worked using black Aida, it was difficult to see the holes in the fabric. I had to constantly readjust my position so that I could see the white towel I had placed on my lap to make the holes more visible. My project when finished looks gorgeous from a distance. Up close, the shoddy workmanship is readily apparent.

On hoop method: My second project - "Zodiac chart" by Ellen Maurer-Stroh, I worked using a 5" diameter hoop.

Pros: Immediately I noticed that my cross stitching came out remarkably even in tension in every last stitch! Since I was once again working on a dark Aida, I had to use a towel on my lap. I had to fold and clip back the excess fabric dangling over the sides using a pair of hair clips. I was easily able to see the holes in the project. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I even found myself liking the stab method of cross stitching over the sewing method.

Cons: I was only faced with two problems. The first was that I had crushed stitches from where placed the hoop and wrinkles where I folded the fabric. This issue can be resolved by washing, blocking and ironing my project upon completion. The second problem was that the hoop was noticeably distorting my fabric as time passed. I did resolve this issue by spraying water over the distressed edges and letting my fabric rest flat on the table overnight everyday. When I woke up the next day, the fabric was back to its original flatness with the holes spaced evenly throughout the Aida.

My next project, once I complete my Zodiac chart will be my HAED. Based on my past experiences, I have decided that the in hand method will most certainly not work for me. The uneven tension in the stitches and the dirty fabric makes me want to quit the project all together. The hoop method is preferable, but still not suitable. I was fortunate to have been able to remove the fabric distortions every night, but the crushed stitches remained an issue. Also, if I want to attach beads to my project, a hoop cannot be used as it would crush my 15/0 Miyuki Delicas.

I have been told Q-snap frames are supposed to be as good as hoops without causing the fabric to warp, but the issue with adding beads as you progress remains. I have thus decided to invest in a scroll frame for my HAED project. The concept of never having to take your work off your working frame is attractive to me, as is the reduced soiling and wrinkling of the fabric. Additionally, I find that the price difference between Q-snaps and scroll frames isn't very large.

Since there is no way I will be purchase a scroll frame in store, I've decided to purchase one online, regardless of shipping costs. If you do the math, the shipping costs pretty much even out if you factor in the gas that I will need to leave Toronto and return, the time wasted on getting just one frame, not to mention the inflated prices of scroll frames in brick and mortar stores, I actually end up saving money, even after paying $10+ in shipping and handling.