Q-Snaps

They are called Q-Snaps, and are plastic doohickeys that hold your fabric. You can see them sold here https://stitchedmodern.com/collections/tools-notions/products/q-snap-needlework-frame .

For large projects, I often use a scroll frame that's made by K's Creations. If you google it, you can find a vendor. I've had this so long, I don't remember where I got it, but I know they still make them. The downside with these is that you need to stitch your fabric to the frame, but I find that the effort involved is well worth the time. You don't need to remove your work until you're finished and I haven't had any problems with stitch compression or wrinkles in my work. So, in the long run, the time spent stitching linen to these frames is saved when you consider how often you take your work out of a standard hoop to re-position it or give your work a break at the end of your stitching day. You can see how the frame scrolls to move your work as you go. I also have a wooden stand called a "Stitch Master" that is really spiffy. That was made by Frank A. Edmonds, and they are still available. My K's Creations scroll frame clamps into it perfectly. You put it in front of your chair and there's no need to hold a hoop. The height adjusts and you can tilt your work to get the most comfortable angle. The stand also works with quilting hoops for any other crossover makers out there.

I tried split rod scroll frames, but those are NASTY. They can snag your fabric and the fabric doesn't ever want to stay put. I absolutely despise these. I'm not a fan of Q-snaps due to the damage they've caused in the past. I still go back to my standard hoop because it's easy to handle. That said, if you have a large project, you need to fold your work over itself (so the hoop isn't pressing against bare stitches and compressing them) and roll any excess so it's easy to stitch. Personally, I've found that my OXO small potato chip clips (the blue thingie in the photo) are good for this. They also have a magnet on the back, so they can double as needle minders. I find that I need to replace standard hoops regularly because the top part of the hoop seems to delaminate and stretch over time. Also, the little rubber guards at the top always seem to want to go their own way as you can see.

I love smaller sized q snaps but sometimes prying the clamps off is a bit of a challenge.

I’ve ripped out the sergering before. D: