| Using a hoop or frame enables you to make your | | | | join together to form a square or rectangle. You |
| hand embroidery stitches with an even tension and | | | | stretch your fabric over this framework, ten snap a |
| keeps your work area visible. Experiment with a | | | | plastic clamp (resembling a "C" in cross-section) on |
| number of different frame systems to see which one | | | | each side, and roll the clamps away from the center |
| works best for your stitching needs (and you body's | | | | of the fabric to tighten. As with stretcher bars, you buy |
| needs!) | | | | the lengths you need to build a frame to suit your |
| Hoops. These simple round frames, used by | | | | project. Like hoops, Q-Snaps are very easy to apply |
| embroiderers for centuries, consist of two | | | | and remove. |
| closely-fitting wood or metal rings. Some hoops rely | | | | Scroll Frames. Scroll frames consist of a pair of round |
| only on the close fit of the two components to | | | | scroll bars that attach to a pair of flat side bars. The |
| produce tension; while others have devices which as | | | | scroll bars should be at least as wide as the width of |
| metal springs or screws for this purpose. Most hoops | | | | your fabric; they feature a fabric tape or webbing to |
| intended for embroidery are 3/8" to 1/2" deep and | | | | which you sew te top and bottom edges of your |
| range from 3" to 8" in diameter; for larger projects, try | | | | fabric. The ends of the scroll bars screw into the side |
| a quilting hoop; most are 1" deep and offered in many | | | | bars by means of screws or nuts that you can adjust |
| diameters. | | | | to achieve your desired tension as you roll the scroll |
| Stretcher Bars. Lightweigt, easy to use, and | | | | bars in opposite directions. In order to keep the |
| inexpensive, these modular frames consist of four 1/4" | | | | horizontal tension as firm as the vertical, you must lace |
| square wood strips that dovetail at the ends to form | | | | the side of the edges of the fabric to the side bars or |
| an open square or rectangle upon which you'll tack | | | | use frame clips. Scroll frames will crush raised or |
| your fabric. They're usually sold in pairs; you need to | | | | three-dimensional stitches, so are not recommended |
| buy one pair for the width of your fabric, and a second | | | | for designs with these effects. |
| pair for the length. If you stitch a lot, you'll eventually | | | | Table and Floor Stands. Table and floor stands free |
| have an assortment of lengths that will work together | | | | both your hands for stitching (particularly important if |
| to fit many projects. (These bars are specifically | | | | your embroidery requires you to use a laying tool) and |
| intended for needlework; don't confuse them with | | | | enable you to stitch in a favorite chair. You can make |
| stretcher bars for painter's canvas.) Pre-assembled | | | | height and angle adjustments to suit you so stitching is |
| mini stretcher bars are ideal for projects of 4" to 12" | | | | as comfortable as possible. Many come with their own |
| dimensions. | | | | scroll frames, which can be detached for portable |
| Q-Snaps. This modular system consists of four plastic | | | | stitching too. |
| tubes called elbows (in lengths of 6", 8", 11", or 17") that | | | | |