Needle Needs Frame Question?

This is primarily for Christine, but anyone else with experience please chime in. I have been researching the Needle Needs frame and stand, and I have a question. My current SQ piece is big, cloth measuring 33" wide (18 count aida). I am trying to get the least wide frame addition possible (choices 36", 30", 27"), as it seems like a 36" wide frame might be hard to work with. I think I could easily trim down the cloth and go with the 30".

How much fabric do you leave on the edges of such a large piece, so I don't cut too much? And/or, have you every had success folding under on the edges on the sides with this frame? It looks like that probably would not work from the tutorial, but just checking.

Thanks so much for the input! I'm getting excited about getting a new frame soon.

Pam

I just checked, and the website says picture dimensions are 22" x 14.78", and fabric recommendation is 28" by 20.78", which is allowing 3" on each side. So I guess I had better go with the 30" rod unless the folding over on the sides works?

Thanks,
Pam [/quote]

Pam:

I have a few of these frames. You would need a frame length that is as wide as your fabric. If you could trim your fabric to 30", that would be best. I have the 36" frame, and it is a little unwieldy!

I haven't tried the folding the fabric under. I haven't tried folding the fabric under. It might work with these frames, I'm just not sure.

Enjoy the frame, they are fabulous!

Lani

quote:

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Originally posted by Lani
Pam:

I have a few of these frames. You would need a frame length that is as wide as your fabric. If you could trim your fabric to 30", that would be best. I have the 36" frame, and it is a little unwieldy!

I haven't tried the folding the fabric under. I haven't tried folding the fabric under. It might work with these frames, I'm just not sure.

Enjoy the frame, they are fabulous!

Lani

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Lani,
Thanks! Do you have the floor frame or lap frame or what? I'm thinking floor frame, but not sure. I usually sew leaning back in a chair.
Thanks,
Pam

quote:

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Originally posted by armywife

quote:

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Originally posted by Lani
Pam:

I have a few of these frames. You would need a frame length that is as wide as your fabric. If you could trim your fabric to 30", that would be best. I have the 36" frame, and it is a little unwieldy!

I haven't tried the folding the fabric under. I haven't tried folding the fabric under. It might work with these frames, I'm just not sure.

Enjoy the frame, they are fabulous!

Lani

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Lani,
Thanks! Do you have the floor frame or lap frame or what? I'm thinking floor frame, but not sure. I usually sew leaning back in a chair.
Thanks,
Pam

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When one that large, (and I have 3 on the go.) I don't use any frame. I prop one side up on the arm of the chair I am sitting in. That way I can get uder it when I need to. Works for me..

I do what Patricia does. I've actually never used a floor stand. The largest frame I have used, however, was the 27". Propping an end on the sofa arm worked for me.

Lani

quote:

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Originally posted by Lani
I do what Patricia does. I've actually never used a floor stand. The largest frame I have used, however, was the 27". Propping an end on the sofa arm worked for me.

Lani

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Lani and Patricia,
That makes sense! I may just get the frame and try propping on the arm of the chair I sew in. Although there is a little package deal when you get the floor stand at the same time. I still think I will buy just the frame and the longer rods first (30") and see how it goes.
Thanks so much to all!
Pam

quote:

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Originally posted by armywife

quote:

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Originally posted by Lani
I do what Patricia does. I've actually never used a floor stand. The largest frame I have used, however, was the 27". Propping an end on the sofa arm worked for me.

Lani

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Lani and Patricia,
That makes sense! I may just get the frame and try propping on the arm of the chair I sew in. Although there is a little package deal when you get the floor stand at the same time. I still think I will buy just the frame and the longer rods first (30") and see how it goes.
Thanks so much to all!
Pam

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If you buy dowling at a hardware store you can get any size and a length up to 46" I believe and cut it down to the size you want. Just use masking tape to secure your fabric on it. It does wrap around itself..

If you buy dowling at a hardware store you can get any size and a length up to 46" I believe and cut it down to the size you want. Just use masking tape to secure your fabric on it. It does wrap around itself..[/quote]

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Thanks for the tip! I just ordered my new frame plus 30" extenders!!! I'm so excited. I don't even know how much I just paid since it was in euros


But I get the idea it was a lot. It sounds like it will be worth it, though, from all of the comments and tips. Christmas coming a little early here. Hopefully I will get to use it before I have to go back to work from medical leave. I'm not looking forward to that. It is going to severely cut into my stitching time! I am looking forward to not having to take my work out of the hoop every night to put it away.

Take care everyone! And thanks again!
Pam

Hi there

I haven't been on the site for a little while and look what happens then

It looks like your questions have been answered; however, recently I have found that folding over the right and left hand edges of the fabric by one centimetre or half an inch help stop the frame pulling the fabric apart. This is just because you can get the fabric really, really tight on these frames because of the screw sides.

I found that, when I moved on to the bigger pieces, I needed to use a floor stand so I could have both hands free (one for the needle and one underneath the work to feel the thread and ensure it didn't loop up). It also means your shoulder/trapezius muscles and your hand (as you usually hold it with your less dominant hand) get a rest from repeatedly holding the frame. Again, this is just what works for me.

I hope this helps and that you enjoy the frame. It is a truly beautiful piece of kit. We all look forward to seeing your progress pictures.

Christine x

PS - for The Astrologer and Island Mood Patchwork I use a 28" frame, but for Ehret it's the 36" frame. Click on to my multiply link below for a peek.