How to Choose the Perfect Needlepoint Floor Stand

Needlepoint floor stands provide comfort and ease when stitching Bargello projects or other needlepoint designs. Fashioned from wood or metal, these stands hold a needlepoint project frame so that both hands can be free to stitch. In turn, hands-free stitching helps to avoid needlepoint disasters like a finished project that’s distorted or out of shape. The large variety of floor stands available on the market today make it harder to select one that caters to your stitching preferences. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a needlepoint floor stand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what you need in a needlepoint floor stand. Characteristics such as type (wood or metal), adjustability, durability and portability are important when choosing the perfect needlepoint floor stand.

2. Measure the height of your favorite stitching chair and use these measurements when shopping for a needlepoint floor stand. The best ones can be raised or lowered to fit chair height and to accommodate your stitching style.

3. If you travel to needlework seminars or stitching retreats, you will want to choose a stand that’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and easy to disassemble and reassemble, as well as store in a closet or areas with limited space.

4. Check for sturdiness. The worst experience you can have is a stand that tips over once your needlepoint project is attached. The perfect needlepoint floor stand will be sturdy and firmly hold your project in place. Additionally, it will allow the project to turn for ease in snipping or anchoring threads and embellishments.

5. Consider the cost. A needlepoint floor stand should be viewed as an essential needlepoint tool and a stitching investment. Floor stands can cost as much as several hundred dollars. Although there are some cheaper brands, you should weigh the cost against other factors. Sometimes the cheapest floor stand is not always the wisest investment.

Resources

• The Stitch Smart Needlepoint Floor Stand

[sanderdoe]

on 8/12/2009 Great article! I love to needlepoint! I haven't tried a needlepoint floor stand, but maybe I should! 5*