What is the Most Popular Q-Snap Size? [The Answer May Surprise You]

Do you have trouble keeping your fabric taut? Do you like your stitching to be drum-tight?

Q-Snaps are a favorite tool among stitchers. They keep your fabric perfectly stretched by using clamps to keep the fabric tight on all sides.

The most popular Q-Snap is 8×8 inches. Coming in at a close second is 11×11 inches. Depending on what size projects you are stitching will determine what size Q-Snap you will need to use.

What Size Q-Snaps are Available?

Q-Snaps come in packages of 6×6, 8×8, 11×11, 11×17, and 17×17. In addition, there are two extension kits, a small and a large.

The small extension kit comes with 3” extensions and 11.5” clamps, turning your 11×11 Q-Snap into 14×14. The large extension kit comes with 3” extensions and 17.5” clamps, turning your 17×17 Q-Snap into 20×20.

You can also get just the extension pieces for turning a 6” Q-Snap into a 9” frame. Keep in mind that there is no kit so there isn’t a longer clamp available.

All parts of Q-Snaps are interchangeable within the brand. You can create custom sizes such as 8×11 by purchasing an 8×8 package and an 11×11 package and putting them together.

Don’t try to combine Q-Snap pieces with “off-brand” or other similar types of frames. They will not work together.

The numerous combinations you can create include 6×6, 6×8, 6×9, 6×11, 6×14, 6×17, 6×20, 8×8, 8×9, 8×11, 8×14, 8×17, 8×20, 9×9, 9×11, 9×14, 9×17, 9×20, 11×11, 11×14, 11×17, 11×20, 14×14, 14×17, 14×20, 17×17, 17×20, 20×20.

Combos	6”	9”	11”	14”	17”	20”
6”	6×6	6×9	6×11	6×14	6×17	6×20
9”	9×6	9×9	9×11	9×14	9×17	9×20
11”	11×6	11×9	11×11	11×14	11×17	11×20
14”	14×6	14×9	14×11	14×14	14×17	14×20
17”	17×6	17×9	17×11	17×14	17×17	17×20
20”	20×6	20×9	20×11	20×14	20×17	20×20

8×8 Q-Snap [Most Popular]

For most stitchers, 8×8 is the perfect size Q-Snap. The stitchers commented that this size is easy and comfortable to hold for long periods of time while providing enough space for most mid-sized projects.

Projects that are roughly 100×100 stitches being stitched on 16 count aida or 32 count evenweave or linen will fit nicely in this frame.

Even stitching on 14 or 28 count should give you enough clearance from the sides.

You can read my article on fabrics to determine the size of your project on different count fabrics. This will give you a better idea of what size Q-Snap you will need.

If you prefer working on bigger projects, but still want to hold the hoop, you can move the project around while using this size.

Keep in mind that you will have to move it more frequently than if you were using a bigger size frame.

For those of you wanting more area to stitch, the next most popular size is the 11×11.

11×11 Q-Snap [Best for Bigger Projects]

The next most popular size is the 11×11. It’s no wonder that the two most popular sizes are the in-between sizes.

Once the frame reaches 11×11, stitchers claimed that it started to become too heavy. Some prefer to use a floor or lap stand to relieve pressure and fatigue.

This frame is the best size for projects that at around 150×150 stitches on 16 or 32 count fabric.

If you like to work on bigger projects but find the 17×17 size awkward, try the 11×11. It will provide more space to stitch so that you won’t have to move your Q-Snap around as much like the 8×8.

If you feel that the 11×11 is too big but the 8×8 is too small you may want to combine your Q-Snaps to create a custom size.

8×11 Q-Snap [Best Hybrid Frame]

The 8×8 and 11×11 packages offer the most versatility. With these two sizes, you can create two 8×11 Q-Snaps. 

Stitchers love this size because it is still manageable to hold while offering more area to stitch.

Considering most projects are rectangular, not square, this hybrid size gives you the best bang for your buck, offering just the right size.

This frame is my favorite size because I find that most of my smaller projects fit perfectly within these dimensions.

Not only are they the optimal size for stitching, but they are the best size for making grime guards. The average width of fabric is 42-44 inches. This provides enough fabric length without having to cut two pieces.

6×6 Q-Snap [Best for Small Projects]

Some stitchers said that they thought the 6×6 was too small. However, if you work on lots of small projects, this size frame might be perfect for you.

By small projects, I mean less than 4 inches. This will still provide enough room on the edges to finish off your thread. There are plenty of patterns by popular designers that fit the bill. 

Maybe you only like working on these smaller designs.

I just purchased a 6×6 Q-Snap and I’m excited about its arrival. Right now, I stitch my small projects in hand.

I’ve noticed that I tend to not stitch on them as much because I don’t like the feeling of stitching in hand. I find it uncomfortable. Hopefully, that will no longer be an issue.

Final Thoughts

It was close but was no surprise that the 8×8 and 11×11 frames were the most popular sizes. They are good for working on mid-sized projects without being too big like the 17×17 or too small like the 6×6.

If you are new to Q-Snaps, I would recommend the 8×8 size frame. Once you have established that you like the snap frame, I would recommend purchasing an 11×11.

If the 11×11 is too big and uncomfortable, you could still create two 8×11 frames for extra stitching space.

Mix and match different Q-Snap sizes to figure out which combinations you like best.

Personally, 8×11 is my favorite size of Q-Snap. I tend to alternate between smaller projects while stitching on one big one. The 8×11 is comfortable for me to hold for long periods of time while still providing enough area to fit my small projects.

Happy Stitching!