Hate My Wood Split Rail Frame

by Ted Tomany
(Little Rock)

When I purchased this split rail scroll frame, it claimed that all you needed to do was insert your fabric and start stitching.

Not so.

When you insert your fabric and roll it up on the top and bottom dowel you will only achieve vertical tension. THERE IS NO HORIZONTAL TENSION!!!!!!!

The sides of your project are nice and taut, however their center is not. The way these frames are constructed, there is no way to achieve horizontal tension without extra pieces of wood attached to the sides.

Have done some research on the internet, and I have yet to find a source to purchase the side bars.

Don't waste your time with this type of product. Stick with a hoop.

Katherine's Reply: Thanks so much for your frank review. Since I don't usually use a hoop or frame, it's helpful to other stitchers that you've detailed your exact experience. I've often wondered about the tension problem you've described, and would be interested to know how scroll frame users compensate.

Since the Q-Snap-style frames clamp the fabric on all four sides, do they solve this?