Was I wrong about using a hoop for cross stitching?!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- I have always been an 'in hand' stitcher and not a fan of using a hoop or frame when I cross stitch.
But I was curious if a plastic Nurge hoop could change my mind.
Come and find out what I thought of the hoop and using it to stitch...I was surprised by the outcome!
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Great overview. I used to use hoops which I didn’t like because I could never get the tension tight enough. I’ve tried it in a stand as well. Then I went to stitching without - which was fine unless it was a huge project. Then a couple of years ago I was introduced to a Qsnap frame - and I’ve loved using those but I find you have to give yourself enough extra fabric around the side otherwise I end up having to take the project out to do any stitching on the edges!! At the recent Stitch Festival I got myself a couple of Nurge frames - still getting used to them not being as bulky as the Qsnap. But at least you can stitch on more of your fabric and I’ve not found them to leave any marks on the fabric when you take it off.
So interesting to read your journey with hoops and stands, and great that you've found the Nurge hoops work so well for you. That's such a good point about needing extra fabric to wrap around a Qsnap too 👍😃
I love your tutorials…I love two handed stitching ❤ I also stitch both in hand and with a nurge + lowery work stand… but it depends on the project. But I agree with you that my hoop projects are less portable.
Thank you 😊 I really must try two handed stitching some day!
I love your videos! They are always fun and informative. I do not like to stitch in hand, but have yet to find a frame I love. They all require fiddling for me.
Thanks so much 😊 I hope you find a frame you like but yeah, the fiddling is a nuisance and you still have that with the Nurge.
Fabulous video. What you say in the video sums it up. I don't stitch in my hand just because it slows me down. I use a floor stand that holds a hoop I don't use a frame because it would give me a sore neck because it changes my posture. At the end of the day do what feels most comfortable for you and like you say you don't need equipment. I have lost count of how many videos I have watched that people have bought every floor stand and lap stand you could think off and why do they do it the only thing I come up with is comfort.
That's such a good point about comfort...and it's really easy to have poor posture when stitching. I'm pretty sure mine could be better 😂 It sounds like you have found the perfect set up for you, which is awesome 😄
I am the cross stitcher from nearly 20 years and I always stitching on hoops, large projects too. It is a little bit squashed, but all is going away in wash and ironing. Everyone has a different method...😊
Absolutely agree that we are all different and that's awesome! It's so good you have found what works for you and good to know any squashing is banished with a wash and press 😃
For me I do all three! In hand , with nurges and also scroll frames, it really depends on the project and how keen I am to get started!
Ah yes...when you get the urge for a new start nothing can get in the way 😂 It's good to have options and I might try a scroll frame at some point 😄
Great video. I always use a Nurge hoop. When I’ve stitched in hand the stitches do not look good, in a hoop beautiful.
That's so great that you've found what works best for you 😄
Thank you for, as always, a thorough explanation of your experience.
I’ve pretty much always stitched in hand. Didn’t like the dented fabric or squashing my stitches. Also I use the sewing method so hoops are not for me. However, I hate stitching in hand with soft wobbly linen. Maybe I should try a hoop for linen work…but my eyes don’t like working linen either, so there you have it. Your tutorials are the best! Dianne
Thanks Dianne, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊 Funnily enough I often find the holes on linen are easier to see and find with my needle than on evenweave BUT the irregularity of thread fibre thickness on linen makes it harder to count and sometime makes me feel a bit cross eyed trying to stitch on 😂 It's worth a go with a hoop for linen as I did find it a little easier, and you might well too 😄
Love your videos, always insightful. I stitch in hand. Tried hoops here and there but not my cup if tea so to speak. I never have tension problems so why bother changing. I think its an individual choice so up to personal preferences like you said. Looking forward to next video. 😊
Thank you 😊 You've hit the nail on the head there; I think...it's a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' and no point me using hoops if it's not adding any value!
I prefer to use a hoop (nurge) or a q-snap. I tried stitching in hand yesterday and just didn’t feel as in control. Plus I love to have my needle minder on my fabric, and it just weighs the fabric down if not in a hoop.
It's so interesting how different we all are because I never feel in control when I use a hoop! Being able to have your needleminder on the hoop is so good... definitely not possible when stitching in hand 😂
It reallly is interesting. Ha I discovered that when I tried and it all flopped 😂
I really liked your video!! I do primitive stitchery and primitive cross stitch. I only use hoops and love them. I like my stitching taught and hoops works the best for me. I have a hoop like yours and I have several sizes of that shape and several other sizes in different shapes, love them all. They work great for me. 😊
That's great that you have a way that works for you, and I know a lot of stitches prefer the fabric taut 😄
Depending on the size if my project , I use hoops . Recently bought a set of Nurge hoops & a Nurge lap stand . I love using them along with my other hoops . I find them very helpful while stitching linens . Thanks for your postings , look forward to each new one .
That sounds great that you have a nice set of options 😄 I might have to take a peek at the Nurge lap stand 😂
I'm not familiar with the nurge lapstand. I'll have to look into that!
Great video and I am interested in trying the new nudge hoop. I love my Morgan’s lap stand , best of both worlds and I like the q snap . Although I quilt and do hand stitching on pieces , I don’t think I would be able to scrunch up fabric for stitching in hand . I have rheumatoid arthritis and I’m just happy to be able to hold needle.
As long as you have a way you like to stitch (and actually can stitch!) that's awesome, especially with RA to contend with. I usually roll my fabric up and hold it quite loosely in my left hand so that hand doesn't get cramped up but it's still definitely not for everyone.
Thanks for the video 😊 I started off stitching in hand, but it hurt my hands. So I got a Q-snap and loved it at first. It's still what I'm using, but I find the drawbacks are really getting on my nerves. The edges are so bulky that I lose so much stiching space on what is already a small area and it's heavy. I think I'll try out a Nurge hoop. Thanks for the review 😊
Edit: spelling
Yeah, I know a few people say stitching in hand is uncomfortable for them but at least you've found what works best for you 😄 I hope you'll enjoy the Nurge hoop 🤞
When I was taught cross stitching as a kid decades ago I used a hoop, thats what everyone did. I stopped stitching in the early 90s then starting stitching again in 2015 & started stitching in hand, it never occurred to me to use a hoop.. LOL I have used the small hoops that are easy to control but the bigger ones & Qsnaps are just too difficult to hold & stitch at the sametime. So 99.9% of the time I stitch in hand so I can do the sewing method & stitch faster. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Great to know you found this useful, and I enjoyed hearing your story as mine is quite similar. I cross stitched as a teenager in the 90s and came back to it around 2018. But I never used a hoop when I learned! Which now seems funny to me as it really was 'the thing' at the time and stitching in hand was far less common I think. But my Mum often stitched in hand and I guess I followed suit. One thing I can't get into though is the sewing method...I have tried and tried and can't get my stitching as neat. It's a shame because it's a great technique...and I'm glad it works for you.
Even though I’m new to cross stitching, I have found so far that I prefer stitching in hand. I’ve tried a hoop and a snap and honestly didn’t like it enough to even take 1 stitch to give it a proper try. Maybe I’ll try again at some point in the future, but I really like to stitch in hand so I probably won’t..lol 😂
This sounds sooooo familiar 😂 No hoop or frame has lasted more than a few minutes on my fabric in the past so this Nurge did well...but there's not much point when I can stitch perfectly well without it!
Thank you for your video, Cat. I always stitch in hand and use the sewing method (in and out of the fabric in one movement) so really don't like stitching in a hoop or frame (or even on a scroll frame - tried that for my first HAED and took it out before long and went back to in hand).
Ah yes, in hand is definitely better for the sewing method. I have thought about trying a scroll frame but again, maybe just unnecessary equipment. I also stitch even a huge HAED in hand 😄
Hi Kat! Always informative flosstubes. I always use hoops. I just started using a nurge hoop for a new project. It takes getting used to, but you're right about the tension. The fabric stays put. Thanks for your take.
Thank you and good to know you're enjoying the Nurge hoop too 😄
Thanks for sharing, that was really interesting. I taught myself to stitch and I stitched in hand as I didn't know any different! I can't get used to a hoop or frame, I feel it really slows me down and gives me less control over how neat my stitches are.
So glad you found this interesting 😊 My Mum taught me to stitch and she stitches in hand but also sometimes with a hoop. I guess I just went with the in hand method and never looked back!
I completely agree about the control; I feel much more in control of my stitching in hand because my hands are so close to where I'm actually stitching.
Very informative, thanks Kat. 👍
I only stitch in hand for very small, mini designs. Otherwise, I've used a plastic tubular clip-frame for years. I like it, it works for me, does take a bit of man-handling though, resting it on my thigh, holding it with one hand, flipping it over when I need to finish off a thread, or god forbid, unpick a knot. 🙄 Holding arm can get tired and sore after a long session, but that's just a reminder to take a break, come up for air, eat and drink something.
I'm a very part-time amateur stitcher, so speed is NOT of the essence for me - I plod along. Double-handed stitching is not a goal for me! 😂
Cheers 🪡
Hey, you've found the method that works for you so that's the key thing! I like the idea of something to remind me to come up for air because I'm sure I stitch for too long in one go sometimes! I always say that speed is not the goal of stitching and yet I have soooo much I want to stitch that I do find myself looking for ways to fit more in! I am not convinced I'd love 2 handed stitching anyway....I just can't resist trying things out though...the research is catnip for me!
I stitch in a number of ways depending on the size, the fabric and the pattern. But I started with a wooden hoop and favour in hand when I can. But have a two projects on scroll frames due to size and some on qsnaps which I like because the are square and I won’t get a hoop mark. Never used the nudge hoop. Thanks for sharing Nat
Glad you enjoyed the video 😊 It sounds like you have a nice variety of options to fit each project. I'd definitely like to try a scroll frame. Do you use yours with a stand?
@@catkinandlillie I have a lowery stand for the scroll frames and I have brought the long arm, qsnap clamp, and the support for the scroll frame (not tried the scroll bar support yet but I am hoping it will help with the wobble and size). I have about 3 projects that are on scroll bars
Yes, the wobble with a stand and a big scroll frame was one concern I had but I guess there are options for that. The Lowery stands always get such good reviews 😄
I have used qsnaps for a while but I love the nurge hoops! I have never tried stitching in hand but I think it would be too easy for me to miss count. It is hard to center and straighten the soft dyed fabrics on the qsnaps for sure!
Trying to get the fabric straight in any hoop or frame is tricky, and definitely harder with evenweave or linen. Interesting point about the counting...that's not something I'd considered but I guess it's easier when the fabric is all stretched out nicely.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Nurge 'hoop' Kat. I have heard good things about them so I have #4 coming to me very soon and I'll be able to give it a try and see if it's going to be a firm favourite, or not! I've always predominantly stitched in hand too but I'm still open to finding the hoop/frame of my dreams and have collected many over the years. I'm with you as well on never, ever putting anything over a stitched area. It's just too risky in my opinion. I can't imagine spending years, or in my case what will probably be decades, stitching a HAED only to find the hoop has left irreversible damage. 😨 I have had some in-hand stitching issues though with starting a large full coverage on aida due to the stiffness of the fabric. It is so unwieldy and washing it is not an option because of the grid lines. Anyway, I do now have a Lowery stand so onto a scroll frame it goes (sadly not a Milennium or Ominik) and 🤞🏻 that will help.
I hope beading Rossa went smoothly for you over the Easter weekend. It makes a nice change from stitching i'm guessing. 🙂 Have a lovely stitchy week! ❤️🧵🪡
Oooh, I hope you'll enjoy the Nurge hoop but will be interested to hear your thoughts either way. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't stand the thought of squashed stitches 😂
I'm definitely open to trying a scroll frame at some point but don't want to throw a lot of money at it in case I don't like it so would probably look for a cheap one to try first...not an Omanik or Millennium for sure!
Beading was fun...but slow! I've just popped up my next flosstube so you'll be able to see the little I got done 😄
Thank you for your thoughtful review. I always stitch in hand, but wonder from time to time if I should try a hoop for working on linens which are more wobbly.
I'm glad you enjoyed this 😊 I find that linen in a hoop is slightly easier to work on but you do have to get it into the hoop nice and straight in the first place...and I struggle with this. I always say try things though and see what you think 😄
I'm going to give stitching in hand a try. I've always used an embroidery hoop.
It's always worth a go, and if you haven't seen this already it might be helpful; th-cam.com/video/vUGz4bckgfI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qCAqIKaSV6LuHpUy
@@catkinandlillie Thank you very much for the link!
I use nurge and q snaps. I find stitching in hand hurts my hands too much sadly, though it does seem like a faster option. I'm lazy and have a hoop for every project and don't take them out until done. Keeps my wips in control lol i find after I frame them you don't notice the wrinkles really. But then again I mix different kinds of threads lol I figure only I would really notice anyways so I don't stress it much 😂
Yeah, I've known other cross stitchers who find stitching in hand painful... definitely a reason not to do it! I have to admit that if I used hoops or frames I'm not sure I'd have the willpower to take them out each time even if it would reduce creases 😂
I may be in the minority here, but I tried stitching in hand and I could not get the hang out it.
I LOVE my nurge hoops. It's all I use now. I got rid of my Q-snaps. I stitch with a table stand as well. Another minor thing I like about the nurge hoop is if I need a little bit more light on a section I can clamp on a mini book/reading light onto the corner of the hoop
I am sure you're not in the minority...I always figured more stitchers used a hoop or frame than didn't. Really interesting that you ended up favouring the Nurge over the Q-snap...but then I agree 😂
That's such a good point about the light. I have a mini book light and sometimes don't have a place to clip it but I can see it would work well on a hoop. I ended up just buying a neck light 😂
Hi Kat, thank you for sharing you experience with the hoop. I haven't tried it yet..... I was looking for the pattern you showed. What was the name ?? it was not in the description. Thanks
I'm glad you found this helpful to see. The link for the pattern is right down at the bottom of the description 🪡😄
@@catkinandlillie Thank you for adding it
I didn't add it; it was already there!
I would rather not use a hoop as well!
Not sure how one gets tension by stitching in hand? Can you explain?
I'm not 100% sure I'm understanding the question, but are you wondering how I can maintain a nice even stitch tension while stitching in hand?
If so...practice, practice, practice! It's just a matter of learning how to hold the fabric so you don't distort it and how tight to pull your thread so you don't get stitches that are tight and scrunched up or loose and floppy.
I'm hoping to film some 'stitch with me' videos in future so I can show how I do it 😄
Well, I think of making my fabric “tense” in a hoop or qsnap. Then as you stitch the stitches are tense. Think of the word “taut”. Is your fabric taut when stitching in hand?
Ah, I see...it was the fabric tension you were curious about. Then no, there is no tension in the fabric when stitching in hand but you don't need it. If you're used to tension in your fabric it might feel a bit odd, but you can get exactly the same finish in hand as in a hoop 😄
Not a fan of the Nurge hoops. First off they are plastic. Secondly, you get a heck of a fabric crease from these hoops. Thirdly, you really have to pull the fabric tightly to get it taut. And my fabric still starts to sag after awhile. I much prefer my wooden Hardwicke Manor hoops.
I agree I'm not usually a fan of plastic but I can get on board a bit more if it's something that can be used basically forever and not disposable. As you'll have heard, the creases are a big no no for me and yes, they could be a bit worse with this Nurge hoop because of the groove design. I didn't find it sagging though. I'm glad you've found a hoop you love 😄
i disagree with your plastic statement the issue isn't plastic for something meant forever but more all of the plastic on things we throw out. Buying 4 plastic hoops that last forever who cares.
Hi Kat
I stitch in hand and when I started my tension wasn’t brilliant
So tried hoop,Q snap….oh my goodness no,no,no.
Definitely not for me 😂
This sounds very familiar! I can see on earlier pieces that my tension was not as good especially on evenweave/linen but it got better with practice. Every time I tried a hoop I wanted to throw it across the room within minutes 😂 It's really a miracle I liked this hoop as much as I did...but I still don't think I'll use one!
@@catkinandlillie I’m doing a huge one at the moment,it’s stamped thank goodness
Ive I had to roll it and stitch it sideways 🤦🏻♀️