Embroidery Problem

[xstitcher]

I am stitching lemons on a gingham table cloth especially made to stitch on. It is a small cloth but still rather unweildly to hold.

Are there any genius ideas out there of how to contain the rest of the tablecloth that isn't being stitched?

I can't wait to hear your ideas.

[RATTER15]

Can you not just gather it up and tie it with string into a bundle?

[daisya]

Embroidery hoop is what I would use.

[xstitcher]

Hello Ratter....fancy meeting you here....I'll give that a try, thanks....

[xstitcher]

I am using a hoop daisya but it is the rest of the table cloth that is trying my patience....

[daisya]

Ah sorry x maybe as ratter said then, good luck anyway.

[Mosaic]

In an ideal world you would use a free-standing embroidery frame, but they are expensive and take up space when not in use.
You could try the method used for silk painting: attach the fabric, stretched reasonably taughtly, round an old picture frame or else a 'picture frame' cut out of a cardboard box.
You can get special pin grips (like little metal cat's paws) for silk work, but I expect you could fettle it with some straight pins.

[Maydup]

I don't know the answer xstitcher, but I have a feeling it lies with pegs and clips!

Or...... Make a tent with it and get inside. I'll get my coat!

[xstitcher]

pegs and clips sound nice and easy maydup

[xstitcher]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll be giving ratter and maydups suggestions a try....

[Tilly2]

You could try those clips that they sell in Dunhelm for helping you to put a duvet cover on. They are large plastic clips and will hold a bit piece of material.

[Tilly2]

^ big piece, not bit piece!

[smoneybags]

I use those clips for paper that used to be called bulldog clips. You fold up the excess fabric and clip the edge in the way that is most convenient for you. You can use as many as you need and the size you want.

[xstitcher]

I have some super clothes pins that fit the bill perfectly. I have been working using them for a few hours now and they are perfect.

Thank you one and all for your help.