If you stitch your needlepoint on stretcher bars and don’t use a stand of some kind, you might want to consider using a frame weight.
Frame weights work best with larger canvases, you stitch near a table and use the weight to counterbalance the part of the canvas away from you against the table.
One of the most common kinds of frame weights consist of a fabric bag , like a bean bag, stuffed with shot for weight. Other kinds of crafts call them “soft weights.” While frame weights are often not too expensive, soft weights are often made from leather and are not cheap.
Book Arts Studio posted a tutorial last week on making soft weights, pictured above, from fabric and shot. It looks really easy. I just found some vintage fabric coasters and am off to Wal-mart for shot to make one for myself.
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Hi Janet – I wonder, could you explain about frame weights a little more? They sound intriguing, but I cannot envisage how they work. I tried googling “frame weights’ but couldn’t find a picture of any in acion.
I am currently stitching on a frame but no stand, and am juggling the frame around, trying to find some way of being able to use both hands so I can lay the thread – it’s not easy!
Joce –
I don’t use them either, but I’m going to ask around to find someone who can guest post on it.
Keep Stitching,
Janet
[...] Tutorial — Fabric Frame Weights If you stitch your needlepoint on stretcher bars and… [...]
I’ve been wondering the same thing too. I mostly use a floor frame but am curious about the frame weights.