Unlike the rest of the reviewed frames, this one you can create at home. They also have a “Grip-n-Frame” product too, which allows for fantastic framing of finished pieces. You’re meant to wet the aida pull it across and it holds the aida perfectly, which does work VERY well, especially the tension it holds, however it requires at least 30 minutes of building, then getting your aida all wet before you can put it together, and then a further 4-8 hours to let your aida dry completely before you can use it. In addition you then clip in spikes to the edges to hold the aida. They’re made up in a similar way to a bar frame, but made of a special interlocking rigid plastic so it holds large pieces better. I’ve tried them a few times, and whilst they do live up to a bit of the hype, I still find myself going back to a easy clip frame. This is a new type of frame, made to try and combine all the above frames into one super frame. ✓ Much cheaper long term than other frames Thirdly, you can’t hold your aida in one when not stitching, they warp the shape due to being square frames which is a real problem baring in mind you have to staple your aida in. Secondly they’re really bad at holding large pieces, the plastic variety is even worse at this. Firstly, they’re not light, although still lighter than scroll frames (although the plastic ones are lighter). However, this does come with a few draw backs. It means that instead of having to buy progressively larger and larger frames, you can just add a few cheap bars. They’re sold in 4 to 6 inch bars which clip together to allow you to extend the size of your stitching area. Speaking of long term investments, bar frames are sold as exactly that.
Most serious cross stitchers move onto an easy clip frame sooner or later, they’re the best long term investment.Īs an update to my original post, you can now get plastic easy clip frames that are much lighter. Sure, scroll frames, even easy clip are heavy, but they hold the aida tight when not stitching, they don’t wear, and they’re just as versatile. However with an easy clip frame you instead clip the aida in, solving all these problems. So if you read the above review, the main issue with scroll frames comes from the fact that you have to stitch them in. And finally, you have to attach them to the frame, either by stitching them on, tape or stapling, which pulls at the edges of the aida and takes forever to set up. You also need to loosen the frame when you’re not stitching to stop it pulling unevenly. In addition they’re quite expensive, and due to having to sew in your projects, wear quite quick. There are a few draw backs though they’re heavy, really heavy, however you can attach them onto holders so you don’t have to hold them. They allow you to sew/tape/staple in your aida and you can stitch to your hearts content. They also tend to come in a little more expensive too.Īnd so scroll frames were invented! Solving all the problems an embroidery hoop has (even if they cause some others) scroll frames are the go to frame type for anyone moving on from a hoop. They have a nice and easy install, however they don’t have as strong of a pull than the wooden kind. Whilst most start with wooden hoops, that can be quite heavy, plastic ones are far lighter, and whilst not as strong, are much easier on the wrist.īasically a standard embroidery hoop, but instead of an internal wooden ring, they have a wire you slot in. However, before we move on, there are loads of types of hoops that might help. They’re a bit clunky, hard to hold, and can’t accommodate large stitches. However, the very fact that you’re reading this post probably suggests you don’t want to stick with one. They come in multiple sizes, they’re cheap, and they can be left in the hoop for as long as you like (even for framing). We show the best frames out there, with detailed pros and cons so you can pick the right frame for your project, if you’re looking for a way to cross stitch faster or finish your project in a frame.Įmbroidery hoops are probably the first types of frame any stitcher gets. One of the first things any cross stitcher gets is a frame, and as they develop their craft, they start looking at other options.