My Tool – The Stand I Use

When I discovered Q-Snaps, I really like it and I was inspired – really inspired! 

I built a few different sizes of frames, with pvc pipes, to suit my project needs AND a stand too!  I even got holders (end of the connector) to hold my scissors, eye-glasses, etc.  I put my frame on the stand when stitching if I want to, and it’s very easy to just turn it over when I need to run my needle through in the back.   I can clamp all 4 sides of the frame, for smaller project, and adjust the tension on the fabric.  For large project, I prefer to only clamp the top and right-side of the frame so I can have the flexibility on the fabric to run my needle two holes each stitch (to keep my stitching hand on the surface/top of the fabric – hopefully a more efficient way to stitch, perhaps finishing my project in 1/2 time and effort !!!)  The benefits of this half clamped fabric is that the frame serves as extra pair of hands holding the large size fabric for me and my fabric is cleaner with less hand touching.

It’s not hard to build it.  I use the 1/2″ (for frame) & 3/4″ (for the stand) PVC pipes and connectors for the sprinkler system I bought from Home Depot and they cost me less then $15.   Just cut the pipe with a finer-tooth hand saw or a pair of pvc cutter, cut the pipes in desired lengths then just connect them with the connectors.  It’s so easy and is just like playing with toy Legos. 

I have to credit my local Ace Hardware store clerk for teaching me how to fix my sprinkler system when I could not get a repairman soon enough to solve my problem.   Unfortunately this store had to close recently because of much higher rent.