Framing Steps

Tonight it is time to get another framing step prepared for the Advent Ecclesiastical Sewing project. Time is ticking away. If I stand any chance of getting this hand embroidery project completed, then I need to get moving, and fast!  The project is in a dim position at this point, as l lost the opportunity to work on anything last weekend. But so goes life and its many interruptions.

The frames being used for this Advent Vestment Set (and many of my other projects) are the Evertite Tension Adjusting Stretcher Bars.  I first learned about these from reading along on some of my favorite needlework blogs.  It took a while before I was able to purchase a few sizes of the stretcher bars, but once I started using them I liked them!

Here is the reason the Evertite Stretcher bars work so well.  The Bars have a built-in system that allows for adjustment to keep an embroidery project taunt.

Each end of the stretcher bars has a tiny screw/nut combination that is adjustable by using an Allen Wrench. Before assembling the stretcher bars together, make sure the screw is completely tightened.

A few little turns of the Allen Wrench keep a project taunt and are perfect for stitching.

The Evertite Stretcher bars are available in a wide range of sizes from a size 4″ to a size 32″ (which requires a special order). Once the correct sizes are selected, the bars easily fit together.

How To Use Evertite Stretcher Bars

To use the Evertite Stretcher bars, select the sizes needed.  Each bar has a stamp centered on one side only and center marks on the other three sides.  When matching up the ends and putting the frame together, the stamp always faces the center.  Remembering that helps to line the frame ends up correctly.  The ends fit together easily and snugly. The first time new bars are used, it might take a little work to fit them together, but it is not at all difficult.

When the bars are put together, the end of the little nut should be snug against the side of the wood. The project needs to be framed with the screw tightened completely and placed right up next to the wood on the opposite piece.

Tightening the frame is simple, requiring a few turns of the Allen Wrench.

The Evertite embroidery frames have a surprising range of tightening adjustments available through this system of tiny screws!

Evertite Embroidery Frames: Affordable

The cost of the Evertite frames ranges from $13 to $25 on average for two bars.  There are a few available accessories, of which tacks are a must.  Several options are available for the Allen Wrench, as well as tack pushers and removers.  Overall, a simple, practical, and functional system to keep work in good shape while working on Ecclesiastical Embroidery projects.  The bar sizes are interchangeable, too.  For bars that are a little larger, the size increases as well to ensure that larger frames do not sag or bend.

Where can the Evertite frames be found?   Needle in a Haystack and Stitchville USA  are two places to start.  A little searching on the internet and other needlework shops are easily located.  Tomorrow, it is time to frame up the Alpha and Omega and Cross to be used on the Advent Superfrontal.

Later on, I will share a little mishap as to why I prefer stretcher frames to wooden hoops for Ecclesiastical Embroidery.

Do you have a favorite frame?  Please share your favorite framing options or story about framing up a project.

Solo Dei Gloria

Be sure to visit our online store front Ecclesiastical Sewing where you may shop for Liturgical Fabrics, altar linen fabrics, church vestment-making patterns, liturgical machine embroidery designs,  church vestment trims and notions and so much more. You may also find us on  Ecclesiastical Sewing on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page on our online store front and receive a free copy of our Small Linens Booklet as our way of saying thank you for following along.

Framing Steps Part 2 Advent

Technical Difficulties and Framing Dilemmas

Slate Frames – How to Determine Size

Slate Frames for Hand Embroidery

All in a Day’s Work

Planning – First Steps for Altar Frontal

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