This question comes in from Sharon here on the blog and it’s a really good question!
I have a question about using the Q-snap or a hoop. Do you stitch on the top side of the fabric or the bottom as it lays in the frame? [fabric to hoop U shaped or inverted U shaped]
I started stitching on the bottom (U), because it was easier to anchor the threads on the back side, when that side was “on top.” My mother, however, thinks I’m doing it backwards. Just curious.
(I know that there is a right and a wrong side to some fabric, but what I’m talking about is the way it lays in the hoop. Is the right side of the fabric on top or down inside the hoop?)
People ask me about this all the time, usually when they see me stitching – because I do as Sharon describes when I’m using a hoop and snap it on in a way that most people would consider to be upside down. Here’s a picture to give you an idea…
You can see that instead of being “on top” of the hoop, my stitching area is on the bottom of the hoop. This is a bit of a trick I learned a few years ago in a discussion on the old TWBB (Teresa Wentzler Bulletin Board) – and I’ll be honest, until I made this little change I really hated using a hoop and I always opted for my q-snap or some other frame.
Now, please don’t think there is a right or a wrong here. I don’t think there is – and, yes, that’s just my personal opinion. Many will tell you that it is to be used the other way with the design area coming out on top. Why? Says who? Well, I say use your hoop however you are most comfortable using it, so long as it gets the job done.
I choose to use a hoop this way for a few reasons. It sits better in the clamp on my lap stand. It’s easier to hold in my hand if I’m stitching while I’m waiting for my son at the dentist’s office. It’s easier to start and finish off “tails” of thread in a row when the underside of the fabric is flat and on the outside, as opposed to up and on the inside when you use the hoop the other way.
When I’m using my Q-Snaps I’ll frequently do the same thing because it is really hard to start and end those “tails” when the fabric is out over the top of the frame, especially with the smaller Q-Snaps!
Happy Stitching ~ no matter how you position your hoop!
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I used to use them, so the back is free to finish of the threads.
Wow, it never, ever occurred to me to use my hoop this way, in all the years, my entire life of doing embroidery and cross-stitch, but I certainly am going to try it, maybe I’ll find it easier! thx for the hot tips!
I use q-snaps with batting under the snaps. Always have the stitching on the inside with the back out so finishing threads is easier and my work is more protected. I try and have the size adjusted so the fit the whole picture. Don’t like moving them around….
I never thought about it being easier to end threads that way! I’m going to try it with my Qsnaps. I’ve been having a heck of a time securing my threads because the back runs into the frame.
Never considered using the hoop “backwards”. Will give that a try for sure!
- for some time now, I’ve been using my hoop & Q-snaps with the stitching on the inside & the back exposed to finish threads. I do some small projects, so it was “learned” out of necessity, as I couldn’t finish threads inside the smaller hoops.
Neat idea, but I havent used hoops or qsnaps in year. I do it all freehand now days.
This is called stitching “in the ditch” or “in the well”. I use either q snaps or stitch in hand, and generally use my qs “right-side up”, but with smaller qs, it’s easier to end threads if they are loaded “backwards”….especially for stitches close to the edge.
I do freehand as well. It’s been 10+ years since I’ve used a hoop.
I couldn’t stitch without my Q Snaps! I stitch on top, but I think it is a matter of personal preference how you do it.
I tried setting my HAED with the stitching “inside” of the frame…but I was worried the grips would catch on the backside of the stitches. Suggestions on how to prevent that?
Oh, right now I use the extra few inches of fabric around the design to fold over whatever stitching the grips are going over. When I tried that last night the excess fabric all folded over on my stitching…I hope I’m explaining this right. LOL
Thank you so much for this tip. It’s really quite useful. I think ending the thread will be easier this way. Thanks.
Wow have been stitching for almost 40 years and I never have tried that. I mostly used q snaps and what I have done is to loosen it to secure threads, but this sounds easier and a time saver. Definitely going to try it. Thanks for the great tip.
I’m glad it was helpful
I often do the same thing with my q-snaps and it works just as well.
Hi! I don’t think that it really matters which way up the hoop is, just as long as you remove it when you’ve finished stitching for the day so that you don’t get the usual marks on the fabric. Personally, I prefer the Madeira spring-type hoops but have never tried this type before. Best wishes, Hazel, UK
When I use q=snaps I place a piece of felt under the aida or linen and that seems to hold the material fairly tight
I found this article interesting for a number of reasons. First, it reminded of something someone told many years ago when it came to stitching. She said, “Everything I show you or that you become comfortable using, will be wrong in somebody’s eyes. The important thing to remember is to do it in way that is comfortable for you. There is no hard and fast right or wrong way to do something.” I use Q snaps instead of hoops because I find they don’t mark the material quite as bad and to run the tails under, you can loosen the tension on the material for ease of finishing. Just my humble opinion. Peace from PA!
I absolutely agree, as long as it gets the job done and you’re comfortable with it then it’s the right way for you. That’s great advice for anyone doing anything
I use my q-snaps “upside down” probably about half of the time as well. It depends on if I’m holding them in hand or clamping them into my lap stand.