The winner is... *drum roll*... the Handi-Clamp 18" scroll frame with 8" extenders!
The images above are taken directly from Handi-Clamp's official website.
So, why did I choose this frame with everything else available on the market? Many reasons. I will list them, because I like making lists!
1) The wood on the frame is finished. Some of the more inexpensive frames available on the market are unfinished. This can cause issues with dirt accumulation. (The whole point of getting a scroll frame is to keep your fabric clean and crisp as you work on your project.)
2) It comes with wooden ball knobs. These knobs are easier on the hands than the wing nuts and plastic knobs most frames come with.
3) The process of attaching the fabric to the frame is easy! Adjusting the fabric in the horizontal direction can be done easily enough to ensure proper tension in the fabric. I don't want to baste my fabric onto the dowels or velcro them as some frames would have you do it. The problem with split rod dowels is that it really is a pain trying to get your fabric on just right the first time. Its sort of a process of trial and error and you get better with practice.
4) The scroll rod measurements are provided by the manufacturer as per the actual measurement of the sewing area, and not the length of dowels or bars! An 18" scroll frame by Handi-clamp means it can accommodate a fabric width up to 18" wide. With every other scroll frame manufacturer, you have to make a 2" or 3" allowance on top of your fabric width to get your correct size in framing. I'd rather not have to estimate, thank you very much.
5) All parts are made from hardwood. This means the product is durable. Most reputable scroll frames are made from hardwoods, but a few of the cheaper makes are not. Ratchet frames are pretty much plastic scroll frames. Don't like plastic. They bend when you apply pressure, causing uneven tension throughout your fabric.
6) Manufacturer provides excellent customer service and lifetime warranty for products! Not so sure if it extends to their clamps, considering that the clamps are made by Q-snap. But the Q-snap company themselves have been renowned for standing behind that product lines 100%, so I don't see why this would be an issue.
So there you have it. Very soon I will have a lovely scroll frame all my own! For those if you interested in this product, check out Nordic Needles' website. They have a variety of sizes available in this frame.
