Hints & Tips

Common Needlework Fabrics

Determining Size of Fabric

Preparing to Stitch

Gridding

Stitching Tips

Reading Needlework Charts

Stitch Diagrams

Working With Beads

Cleaning & Stain Removal

Disaster Fixes

Finishing Ideas

Braided Bellpull

Felt-Backed Finishing

Fringed Pillow

Quilt Strip Pillow

Quilt Strip Wall-Hanging

Stuffed Pillow Finishing

Wooden Dowel w/Casing

Wooden Dowel w/Tabs

Ideas for Stitching on Clothing

Needlework Gadgets

Needlework Frames & Stands

Chart Protectors

Dololly

Beading Needles

Stitching Needles

Thread Storage

Bead Storage

Stash Storage

Magnifying & Daylight Lamps

Needlework Frames

Many stitchers of counted cross stitch, counted thread, hardanger, crewel, needlepoint, and free-form embroidery find it helpful to use a needlework frame which holds the fabric taut for stitching. These are especially helpful if you have any trouble with tension and pulling stitches too tight. The combination of a needlework frame and needlework stand may often relieve pain and fatique from stitching if you have carpel tunnel syndrome, repetitive motion syndrome, or weak hands/arms.

Below are links to several different types of needlework frames. There are sure to be many more brands/types than I list, but this will give you a good start.

Frame & special ribbed clamp

Q-Snaps Frames - This type of frame uses interlocking ridged clamps made of light-weight polypropylene. The floor model (used mostly for quilting) is made of high-impact polysterene. Both are light-weight and easy-to-use. The lap-size frames come in various sizes that you can mix and match to achieve the size needed for your stitching. The advantage is the ease of changing projects. Just snap the frame off one project and it's ready to attach to the next.

Handi-Clamp Scroll Frames - Easy-to-use, light-weight, no baste scroll frame with nice rounded knobs for adjustment. There is no basting, no split rod, no tape, no tacks, etc. Your stitching fabric is held to the rod with a clamp that is similar to a Q-Snap clamp. The clamp makes it easy to switch projects if desired. This is a portable, light-weight wood scroll frame. The wooden ball knobs leave no sharp edges to catch your hands/thread/clothes on while stitching. They are also much easier to use for stitchers suffering from carpal tunnel or arthritis or just plain weak hand strength. The Handi-Clamp Scroll Frame is pretty enough to use as a frame for your finished stitching!!!

E-Z Stitch No Basting System Scroll Frames - by American Dream Products - These E-Z Stitch Scroll Frames require no basting! This system uses two parts - one part attaches to the scroll rod and the other parts attach to either end of your fabric. The two parts will adhere to each other and hold your fabric in place. Extender bars and knobs are made of oak. The knobs have are flat, but also rounded which will avoid catching your stitching and clothing. These frames are beautiful enough to use as a frame for your finished needlework.

Hearthside Craftworks Scroll Rods - These solid maple scroll rods are beautiful. Webbing is wide enough to attach fabric with sewing machine if desired. Sizes range from 6" to 66" wide!!!! Rounded knobs are easy on hands for adjustment. Pretty enough to use as a frame for your finished needlework.

K's Creations Scroll Frames - Offers Ultra-Lite Mini Scroll Frames - a light-weight frame made from oak and birch - The side bars and scroll rods are narrower in width than other frames which makes them 33% lighter than most other scroll frames. The Standard Scroll Frames are made with standard width maple side-bars and rods. Cotton Twill tape comes attached to the rod for basting your fabric in place. The twill tape is wide enough to machine sew your fabric to if you prefer. The frames come with either wood knobs or black plastic easy turn 'tri-knobs,' depending on which frame you choose. Frames with wood knobs are pretty enough to use for framing your finished needlework.

Needlework Stands

Needlework stands are used in combination with a needlework frame. The stitching is mounted on the frame and then onto the stand. The stand holds the needlework frame for you so you can have both hands free for stitching. This can relieve a lot of stress on your arms, also, since you do not have to hold the frame in your hands to stitch. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and stitch!

Below are descriptions and links to various types of needlework stands. As above, I'm sure there are many others out there, but this is a good list to begin with.

Hearthside Craftworks

These sturdy, solid oak, hand-crafted needlework stands will last you a lifetime. You may choose from the Original Needlework Stand, the Mark 2 Floor Stand, the lap stand, or the table stand. One pair of Hearthside Craftworks Scroll Frames are included with each stand. There are accessories available so that you can use Q-Snaps or stretcher frames as well as a pattern holder and accessory tray.

The Mark 2 Needlework Stand has spring-loaded hinge points which allows for full 360 degrees rotation of your work without having to adjust any knobs! The Mark 2 has the added advantage of 2 small wheels that allow you to tip your stand and roll it out of the way easily. This frame is made special for you so that the width will straddle a wheelchair or recliner.

The Original Needlework Stand (right) has spring-loaded hinge points which allow the stitcher to raise and lower their needlework 180 degrees without having to loosen or tighten any knobs! This stand is made to fit beneath the edge of your chair or sofa. Lap Stand (bottom) has two sides so it can accommodate any width scroll rod or frame. Spring-loaded hinge points allow for full 360 degree rotation of your stitching without adjusting any knobs. Table Stand (upper left) accepts scroll rods from 6" to 24". Spring-loaded hinge points allow stitching to be raised and lowered 180 degrees without use of knobs.

Handi-Clamp

Handi-Clamp Swan Floor Stand - This light weight oak stand can be used by either left or right-handed stitchers. There are separate clamps availabe so you can use Q-snaps or other brands of scroll frames as well as the Handi-Clamp Scroll frame. This stand is portable and easy to fold up to a 22" x 4.5" s 4.5" size to trave with.

Q-Snaps

Q-Snaps Floor Frame and Extension Kit - Although this frame is made for quilting, it may appeal to needlework stitchers, also. Either way, I'm sure many of you are quilters, too, and this stand would be very helpful.

American Dream Products

The Twin Towers Floor Stand - Oak - This stand is light-weight, portable, and is made to straddle any chair, even recliners. Includes a 16" scroll frame. Scroll frame is held in the center of two 'twin towers.' Pivots 180 degrees to allow stitcher to finish off back of work.

E-Z Stitch Floor Stand - Oak - Includes 12" scroll frame. Pivots 360 degrees to finish back of work. Scroll frame can be attached from either the left or right. Accessories for both the Twin Towers and the E-Z Stitch Stand include: Floss Box, Storage Bin, and Chart Holder.

Tommorrow's Treasures Lap Stand - Oak - Made to straddle your lap or sit on a table top. Includes side supports, 12" extender bars, and 20" scroll frame and 10 knobs.

E-Z Stitch Lap Stand - Oak - comes with 12" scroll frame with the No Basting System. Scroll frame attaches at top center and swivels straight up to finish off the back of your stitching.

K's Creations Floor Stand

Stainless Steel Portable Floor Stand - 360 degree rotation of work for finishing off threads. Accessory tray included. Weighs only 8 lbs. and disassembles into 3 compact sections for traveling.

Stow-away Portable Floor Stand - Elite Series - Available in Maple or Oak. This stand folds flat to 5" height. Included are clamps so the stitcher may use Q-snaps, stretcher bars, scroll frames, or quilt hoops.

Ultimate Stitching Station - Basic & Complete - Unfinished Maple - will hold scroll frames, Q-snaps, and stretcher bars. Top adjusts to sit in a recliner or sit on floor. Base is wide enough to fit around recliners. The basic model includes only the Stitching Station Stand. The Complete model includes the floss tray and light adapter. Scroll frames are sold separately.

Oak Ultimate Stitching Station - Stained Oak - comes with 22" scroll frame, light adapter, and floss tray. Just add on the clamps to use Q-snaps and stretcher bars.

Tag-Along - The Portable Floor Stand - Solid Oak - This portable stand collapses to 6" x 6" x 36" and requires no disassembly to be collapsed. Clamp rotates 360 degrees for finishing off work. Comes with carry handle. Clamp will hold Q-snaps or stretcher bars.

LAP FRAMES - Offers the Original, the Z-Frame, the La-Petite Frame. All are made from solid Oak and will hold Q-snaps, stretcher bars or scroll frames. All frames are collapsible without disassembly. The Original Lap Frame comes with 3 different width bases. The Z-Frame allows for complete open-sided stitching. The La-Petite Frame will hold the Mini Scroll Frames (up to 18" wide) as well as Q-Snaps or stretcher bars.

Artisan Designs