My epic search for a starter scroll frame...

Yes, you read the title correctly. "Epic". As in I made the search needlessly complicated. I will describe the decisions I made that factored into my final scroll frame choice. Its remarkable that I was actually able to make up my mind and stick to just the one!

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.

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.