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Choosing a Suitable Cross Stitch Frame and Stand

Choosing a Suitable Cross Stitch Frame and Stand

Posted by Tracey Kramer on 12th Mar 2016

Having the right stitching frame can make or break your project. If you have a frame that makes your stitching position awkward and less comfortable, you are going to end up with a sore neck, a sore back, and a sore behind--not to mention you will get far behind in your stitching progress. As far as frames go, I have an assortment of hand-held frames in different sizes that I often lend to my daughters whom I have taught to cross stitch, and I'm pleased to say they are plowing through some of their favorite patterns from our website. I have multiple frames set up in different rooms of my home. Some of my frames have come from one source, K's Creations. They are tops when you're looking for good quality frames. I have owned these frames for years and none of them have cracked, split, or broken. The small lap frame is used for small to medium size projects, and the two large floor frames are used for large to very large projects.

Lap Frame & Project

I am currently working on a project (Lovely Lotus Flower, FL-37) featured on our website. It is going to be given as a special gift to a family member when I finish it (which will hopefully be soon). The frame I am stitching on, believe it or not, is a two-piece contraption I put together, but it works well for me. Since I could not find the right lap frame to suit my needs, and I had an ordinary hand-held frame I was comfortable using, I simply purchased a large frame base (just the base), from K's Creations which includes a universal clamp that will hold the frame of my choice. The base is great because it can be used in a compact form for small to medium projects, or it can expand to hold larger frames, and all of this is done on my lap. I am including a picture of this with my project. This is a great solution if ever you are faced with not finding the right lap frame, but you have a favorite hand-held frame, you could simply buy a base and attach your favorite frame. Mission accomplished! 

Visit K's Creations for this frame

Floor Frame Project

In my bedroom, I have a floor model frame from K's Creations called, "The Stow-Away." This is a nifty sturdy frame built to handle large cross stitch patterns, and it is completely adjustable. The frame is sturdy, well made, and is able to fold down if you are planning on moving soon, but if you are just moving the frame a few feet away, just tighten your settings and the frame can easily be moved without having to fold it down. This floor frame sits in a little enclave in my room where I have a floor OTT lamp, a magnetic board to hold my pattern, and my trusty project box. I sit in a padded fold-up chair because I have yet to find a comfortable chair in which to stitch in this room, but hopefully when I find the right chair, I will make it available on our site.

Visit K's Creations for this frame





Floor Mega Frame Project

This is actually a frame made for rug hooking which I have adapted to making large needlepoint tapestries. I had started a project on this frame two years ago, and I'm trying to spread my time between this project and all of my other ones. This glorious pattern, entitled "Exotic Garden," is from the stitching magazine that used to be called, "Stitcher's World." Now it is called, "Cross-Stitch & Needlework" magazine. Anyway, I am stitching the pattern in needlepoint not for the purpose of using it as a rug, but instead I want to use it as a wall tapestry to hang over my fireplace. A tapestry of this size should be worked on a frame built to handle large works such as this. Now that we have a working portable television in that room, working on my tapestry project is a breeze! Before the TV in this room, all I ever heard were birds chirping (which is not so bad), but I really missed my court TV shows, and besides, the TV keeps me company while I'm stitching. 

Visit K's Creations for this frame

I would love to hear from you all as to what frames you are using and what setups you have. Take care and keep stitching! (You can post your frame pictures on on our Facebook Page Crazy About Cross Stitch