Needlework System 4 Floor Stand Review
Ahhhh. My search for the nonpareil of floor stands for embroidery frames and hoops has come to a stand still. I am a happy and comfy two-hander once again! I saved until I could afford the Needlework System 4 floor stand, hoping that I had finally found the "perfect" embroidery stand, the cadillac of hoop holders, the dream tool for two-handed stitchers. Finally, after several months of tucking away the funds, I could justify the purchase. So here's my review of it, and a few photos...
The Needlework System 4 is everything I hoped it would be: it's uncomplicated, durable, easy to use, versatile, and provides firm "hold" on my embroidery frames.
When I began to consider a new floor stand, I asked myself some questions:
1. Where do I plan to use it?
2. What do I want it to do?
3. How long do I expect it to last?
#1 - Where do I plan to use it?
If I'm going to invest in a floor stand, I want to be able to use it ANYWHERE (with the exception of the car!) For in-home use (or to take to guild meetings and so forth), a floor stand should be portable and versitile - I should be able to use it wherever I would want to stitch: a living room chair, an upright table chair, or even comfy on the couch - depending on the project, these are the places I stitch.
It fits easily up a living room chair. The height is adjusted by moving the main length of the stand forward. After adjusting the height, it is just a matter of adjusting the slope of the frame in the clamp.
It works just as easily at a regular upright kitchen chair. When I sit in an upright chair to stitch (for those "intense" projects where I need a good-sized table close at hand), I put the main bar of the stand straight up at a 90 degree angle to the floor. The frame and clamp can be adjusted for slope, or left flat (parallel to the floor).
And at the couch, it's great. I can pull the stand forward, with the long front foot of it under the couch (the front foot is long - only about half of it showing there - and just over an inch high - so there's good balance, and it can fit under just about any furniture).
So, yep, the stand works wherever I would sit to stitch.
#2. What do I want the stand to do?
When I embroider, I use stretcher bars for the most part, so I want the stand to hold my stretcher bar frame firmly, without any instability, and without constant shifting in position while I stitch. I do not want to have to adjust the slope of the frame continually, or re-tighten the clamp on the stretcher bars! The Needlework System 4 stand is the only floor stand I've ever tried (out of many!) where, once everything is set and tightened, I don't have to readjust, even after a long time of stitching, moving, turning the frame, and so forth.
The clamp is a simple vice set-up, made out of thick plastic, with a large screw on the top. The stretcher bars fit between the two layers of thick plastic, and, to tighten, you just turn the large screw on top.
On the neck of the clamp, there's an place to adjust the slope of your frame. There are metal teeth in this adjustable joint, so that, once you tighten the clamp in the position you want, it doesn't move. In the photo, the joint where the teeth are is unscrewed, so that's why it looks uneven where the teeth meet. When the joint is screwed tight, the teeth fit together evenly.
I also want to be able to turn my work while it's on the stand, without having to readjust screws or anything like that. I can!! I can turn my work 360 degrees, without any part of the stand impeding the turn. I can even turn it one-handed, while holding a camera, as you can see in this video:
The turning mechanism doesn't loosen up, either, so wherever you position your frame horizontally along that turn, it's going to stay there!
#3. How long do I expect it to last?
Well, if I'm going to invest $300 in the two components - the floor stand and the frame clamp - it better last a LOOOOOONG time! The Needlework System 4 has a lifetime guarantee. I spoke to three shop owners before selecting one to purchase from. Out of the three, all of whom have sold many of these stands, only one had a return for paint rubbing off. The company apparently replaced the stand.
Other features I like:
There's a scroll frame component available (I don't use scroll frames often, but...)
You can use the stand sideways, slipping the front foot under the side of a chair or couch, and clamping your work on the side rather than the top.
It's super-duper light, and, by unscrewing one screw, it disassembles into an easily carried package. (They also make a travel stand, which folds into a smaller package and fits in carry-on luggage).
You could buy two stands for Really Big Projects, and clamp one stand to one end of the project and the other stand to the other. But....! Well, you can use sawhorses or tressles for the same effect, and a bit cheaper!
So that's the stand. I do like it! It's been a pleasure to use, every single time I've used it. I haven't had one instance of it feeling insecure or unstable. I haven't had any problems getting it to adjust to "just the right place."
All that being said, it is a rather hefty investment as needlework stands go, but if it lasts through my stitching days, I know I'll be glad I got it!
If you have a NWS4, drop a comment and let me know if you have had equal success with it, or not! If you have a different type of floor stand, why did you select it and what do you like best about it?
The Needlework System 4 is everything I hoped it would be: it's uncomplicated, durable, easy to use, versatile, and provides firm "hold" on my embroidery frames.
When I began to consider a new floor stand, I asked myself some questions:
1. Where do I plan to use it?
2. What do I want it to do?
3. How long do I expect it to last?
#1 - Where do I plan to use it?
If I'm going to invest in a floor stand, I want to be able to use it ANYWHERE (with the exception of the car!) For in-home use (or to take to guild meetings and so forth), a floor stand should be portable and versitile - I should be able to use it wherever I would want to stitch: a living room chair, an upright table chair, or even comfy on the couch - depending on the project, these are the places I stitch.
It fits easily up a living room chair. The height is adjusted by moving the main length of the stand forward. After adjusting the height, it is just a matter of adjusting the slope of the frame in the clamp.
It works just as easily at a regular upright kitchen chair. When I sit in an upright chair to stitch (for those "intense" projects where I need a good-sized table close at hand), I put the main bar of the stand straight up at a 90 degree angle to the floor. The frame and clamp can be adjusted for slope, or left flat (parallel to the floor).
And at the couch, it's great. I can pull the stand forward, with the long front foot of it under the couch (the front foot is long - only about half of it showing there - and just over an inch high - so there's good balance, and it can fit under just about any furniture).
So, yep, the stand works wherever I would sit to stitch.
#2. What do I want the stand to do?
When I embroider, I use stretcher bars for the most part, so I want the stand to hold my stretcher bar frame firmly, without any instability, and without constant shifting in position while I stitch. I do not want to have to adjust the slope of the frame continually, or re-tighten the clamp on the stretcher bars! The Needlework System 4 stand is the only floor stand I've ever tried (out of many!) where, once everything is set and tightened, I don't have to readjust, even after a long time of stitching, moving, turning the frame, and so forth.
The clamp is a simple vice set-up, made out of thick plastic, with a large screw on the top. The stretcher bars fit between the two layers of thick plastic, and, to tighten, you just turn the large screw on top.
On the neck of the clamp, there's an place to adjust the slope of your frame. There are metal teeth in this adjustable joint, so that, once you tighten the clamp in the position you want, it doesn't move. In the photo, the joint where the teeth are is unscrewed, so that's why it looks uneven where the teeth meet. When the joint is screwed tight, the teeth fit together evenly.
I also want to be able to turn my work while it's on the stand, without having to readjust screws or anything like that. I can!! I can turn my work 360 degrees, without any part of the stand impeding the turn. I can even turn it one-handed, while holding a camera, as you can see in this video:
The turning mechanism doesn't loosen up, either, so wherever you position your frame horizontally along that turn, it's going to stay there!
#3. How long do I expect it to last?
Well, if I'm going to invest $300 in the two components - the floor stand and the frame clamp - it better last a LOOOOOONG time! The Needlework System 4 has a lifetime guarantee. I spoke to three shop owners before selecting one to purchase from. Out of the three, all of whom have sold many of these stands, only one had a return for paint rubbing off. The company apparently replaced the stand.
Other features I like:
There's a scroll frame component available (I don't use scroll frames often, but...)
You can use the stand sideways, slipping the front foot under the side of a chair or couch, and clamping your work on the side rather than the top.
It's super-duper light, and, by unscrewing one screw, it disassembles into an easily carried package. (They also make a travel stand, which folds into a smaller package and fits in carry-on luggage).
You could buy two stands for Really Big Projects, and clamp one stand to one end of the project and the other stand to the other. But....! Well, you can use sawhorses or tressles for the same effect, and a bit cheaper!
So that's the stand. I do like it! It's been a pleasure to use, every single time I've used it. I haven't had one instance of it feeling insecure or unstable. I haven't had any problems getting it to adjust to "just the right place."
All that being said, it is a rather hefty investment as needlework stands go, but if it lasts through my stitching days, I know I'll be glad I got it!
If you have a NWS4, drop a comment and let me know if you have had equal success with it, or not! If you have a different type of floor stand, why did you select it and what do you like best about it?
Labels: needlework tools, pictures
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Wednesday, January 16, 2008
PermaLink | 29 comments | Click to Comment
Share this
29 Comments:
Mary, that is without a doubt in my mind, the most comprehensive review of a needlework stand I have had the pleasure to read. You covered all the major questions I have be debating in a concise and to the point fashion.
I'd love such a system and with your help I may just be a bit closer to getting one!
Mary, your new stand looks great. Thank you for providing a detailed review.
You have the same kitchen chairs that I do. :-)
I'm glad you all like the review on the stand. I LOVE the stand!
I'm going to provide a list of online shops where you can find it...
Well, Ginger, all I can say is - we must have good taste!!!
Mary, thank you for the wonderful review! I've just started using a slate frame and am thinking about buying another stand that just has a clamping mechanism and I like what I see with the NS4 especially the ability to turn the work 360 degrees.
Do you have a feel for how big of a frame the stand will support?
I've done some cursory checks on Lowery stands. Can you compare the NS4 and Lowery? One thing I like about the Lowerys (I think) is that there's a table clamping version. Is there something comparable with the NS4?
I have answered my question about the table clamp--yes, there is one.
So, now, where did you buy yours?
Hi, Margaret -
Yep, they have a table clamp, and they also have a lap stand, although I have no idea how comfortable the lap stand would be.
You can see all their products and accessories here:
Needlework System 4 Website and I bought mine through Needlepoint Alley in FL, because their website is one of the few that has a regular shopping cart feature, so it was easy to order. The websites I had seen to that point were all similarly priced.
However, they don't have them in stock - they have them drop shipped from the company. So it takes about 10 days to 2 weeks to get them.
Since then, I realized that Threadneedle Street carries them as well, and they also have all the components available on their website. Their order form is not as "easy" - BUT - this is the clincher - they sell the stand and clamp for $247 as opposed to (I almost went into shock) $310.
So - I would DEFINITELY go through Threadneedle Street. Even if they don't have them readily in stock, I'm sure they can have them drop-shipped to the buyer, and for $60 bucks, it's REALLY worth the wait. $60.
$60 is half the cost of the table accessory!
Anyway, live and learn! I was going to make this "mistake" the topic of a whole new post - and I still might, since people don't read the comments as often as they do the posts!
Needless to say, in the future, I will be much more inclined to scour before buying. I don't understand that big of a price difference!
I saw the stand in a shop in KC, which is a little over 2 hours from me, and it was $300 for both components (the stand and the clamp). It wasn't worth the $10 to drive to KC to buy it, but had it been $247, I certainly would have!
I have ordered a travel stand, frame clamp and table clamp from threadneedlestreet.com. I just wanted to comment that the shipping costs are really reasonable ($9 from Washington to San Diego) and the owner says that UPS rates will be going up on 1 February. Also, I've ordered from Threadneedle Street before and have received really good service and quick delivery from them.
Side note: They also carry Hardwicke Manor hoops (the best!) and the prices aren't bad.
Mary, thanks so much for this review. Having just trashed my Gripit Legend wooden floor stand, which I could no longer tighten, I'm ready to order a Needlework System 4. My local needlework store doesn't carry them. Of course I want to find the best online deal. Did you pay #310.00 plus shipping?
Thanks.
Never mind. I found your post with the information about Threadneedle and I've already ordered.
Thanks so much for all the information.
It arrived this morning, assembled in a couple of minutes, literally, and I can lift it with one finger! It's wonderful. Thanks again for steering me to the System 4.
Hi Mary....I just want to thank you for this great review of your needlework stand...I'm deciding whether to get one of these myself and have been checking them out. It's so nice to read something from another "buyer"...You've convinced me..ha ha..
Arlene
You won't be disappointed, Arlene! I love mine!
Well, Mary . . .
I'm now convinced that the System 4is the one for me. I plan to order it today, and I'm ordering the extension part and the Q-snap frame as well.
This is an early birthday present to myself . . . . whooopieeee!
I went and bought it...I got the QSnap frame and the Scroll Frame....They were wonderful at Threadneedle to work with and the price was right..... I may just have to go back another time and get the chart and light holder....Arlene
I'm glad to hear you got the stand, Arlene! I hope you like it as much as I like mine!!
Alexis! Happy early birthday - what a great gift! You'll love it, I'm sure!
Mary,
Today I received a Needlework System 4 Travel Floor Stand and Frame Clamp. For some reason, I am not able to turn the frame to end threads. I don't know if I am missing a part, if I should adjust a part, or if I should do something else. I hoped you could help. I am sure it is something simple I am not doing.
Thank you.
Nancy
Hi, Nancy - the turning on mine was pretty tight at first. Right now, mine's put away, so I can't look at the individual parts. I think there's a bolt on the back of the clamp, where the turning mechanism is, with a bunch of stacked washers in there. Perhaps if you loosen the bolt slightly, it'll help!
You could also contact the manufacturers - they're pretty communicative, and could let you know.
I hope it works out - it's a gem of a stand!
I am extremely happy with my frame stand, clamp, and scroll frame, which I got over 6 years ago. They get daily use (I usually needlepoint a minimum of 2 hours/day.) In addition, I have extra scroll bars & rods so I can have multiple projects on scroll frames at one time.
Like you, I particularly like the ease of turning my stitching without having to having to adjust the frame clamp, stand or scroll frame setup. In fact, I had hand surgery 2 years ago on my left hand to remove bone spurs and regraft the thumb ligaments and NEVER had to stop stitching. My rehab therapist even credits my full recovery of range of motion and flexibility to my continual stitching and, of course, her good care.
During the past 6 years, I've only encountered 1 minor problem, which Darrell quickly fixed (within 10 days?) at no additional cost other than shipping. What could be more reasonable?
I'm so happy with his products that last year I also got the travel stand. It fits into my rolling duffel & I avoid withdrawal trauma while away from home!
Happy stitching everybody!
Thanks for the great information on the System 4 stand.
I've hated my articulated wooden stand for years: even with the addition of extra wing-nuts and sandbags, it's unstable.
Now I won't have to try to build a better stand myself!
I just got one of these as my big Holiday Gift to myself and I LOVE IT! I found out about this stand here at your site and decided to just go for it. It makes working on projects so enjoyable, easily some of the best money I have spent.
My Christmas present to myself arrived today and I am totally besotted! The NS4 is absolutely perfect -- and I will relegate my sit-upon and old clamp to the attic. It is so lightweight and easy to turn. Now to see if it makes a difference in the quality of my work . . .
Cissie
Thanks so much for sharing and posting about this NS4 !
It was of great help reading your feedback on it on a previous post, taken a look at the video and reading everyones coments on it. I was searching for a stand but was very confused and overwhelmed by the many kinds and brands out there. Search is over, received mine 2 days
ago (got the lap/table stand -wich by the way has been upgraded with a sturdier base than the one on the picture on their site-with the stretcher bar clamp).
After comparing prices, got mine from www.stitchersparadise.com , great customer service , was shipped straight from the manufacturer. I'm sooo looking forward to using it this weekend for continuing with the Long and Short stitch lessons !
I see myself using it everywhere. Went for this style instead
of the floor one because I have a very busy pre-schooler and the lap/table style will be completely out of her way ! :)
I purchased my NS4 Travel floor stand from ThreadneedleStreet.com about 2 years ago now. I use scroll bars instead of the frame clamp. I have the large scroll bar head that handles 24" - 40" scroll rods since that's what I mostly use. I've been toying with the idea of getting the medium scroll bar head that handles 18"-30" scroll rods and the frame clamp with an extension piece.
Mine is in great shape. Maybe a bit of paint scuffed off of it. I use it about every three days for a couple of hours. (I'm a time-starved working mom)
One thing that I will note is that when I first got it, I worked on my older pieces that are already attached to scroll bars that worked with my old stand. HOWEVER, after a few months of being on the NS4 stand, those old scroll bars began cracking the wood at the threading posts. The older EZ Frame scroll bars that I own are thinner in thickness than the NS4 ones are. The NS4 scroll rods are about 1/2"-5/8" thick. Very sturdy indeed.
Once the older bars cracked, it became hard to keep the tension in the fabric. In one case, I was about 3/4 of the way finished with a very large project, so I've taken it off the old bars and mounted it on the new ones.
K's creations scroll bars also work with the NS4 stand and do come in a wider range of widths. I'm purchasing more scroll rods, and getting ready to package up my old ones with the old stand for sale. I did love the old stand, but I haven't used it enough to justify having two since I got the NS4. I do love the way the NS4 stand rotates. The most striking thing about it is that the stand is so light in weight!
I did just put a new project on it this week on the 30" scroll bars --the first time I've used them. Did I also mention that I drag this frame to EGA meetings to stitch? The stand folds without a hitch and can pack in a canvas tote that I made for it, but the head with scroll bars is more unwieldy. I've made a bag for the head unit with 24" scroll bars attached (my most common project size) so that I can just slip it in, fold up the stand, and go. I made the bag after a vacation trip that I took it on. Even if you take the scroll bars off the head, it's still a bit large. It would fit in a carry-on without the bars (though my favorite size bars wouldn't), but I'd probably just take it apart and pack it in a suitcase.
Thanks, AJ, for the information! The bag for carrying your equipment is a clever idea! I don't travel with mine much, and I don't have the travel stand, but it would be nice to have a bag to pack the stand away in. I'll have to look into that!
I'm looking forward to getting a couple sets of the scroll frames in the upcoming months. Mostly, though, I use the clamp with stretcher bars, and gosh, I love it!
Thanks again for stopping in!
MC
I have a padded frame stand bag in black from Hug Me Co. in the original longer size. Because I'm short (5' 4") & the bag is long, I wish the shoulder strap could be snapped on both ends of the rather than just on 1 end; the bag hangs down the long way and can drag, especially on stairs. I've considered getting the shorter travel-size bag but right now my needlepoint dollars are going for canvases & threads! Here's a link to the Hug Me Co.
http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=hug+me+co&sourceid=Mozilla-search
The original-sized bag holds my original-sized NS4 stand, the clamp head (in an inside pocket w/ velcro closure), & the scroll bar "jaws" head with room to spare. The bag is double zippered so the clamp head of the scroll frame can protrude through the bag opening in the center where the zipper sliders meet.
When I'm home, I use the bag to store my travel NS4 stand and whichever head I'm not using.
I have a second tote bag that accommodates the scroll bar/side bars set-up without having to disassemble it (sorry I'm traveling & don't have it with me to check the brand-name; will post later if you're interested). Both bags were purchased at Stitches by the Bay in Monterey CA, a couple years ago when June McKnight owned the shop. I would think that Colleen Greenlee, the present owner, would be pleased to assist you.
Thanks for a great review Mary! I am seriously considering this stand. How big of a project have you been able to work on with that stand? I use mostly stretcher bars but do use q-snaps occasionly.
Thanks in advance and happy stitching,
Carol
Hi, Carol -
I've actually been able to use a fairly larger stretcher bar frame on it - 30" x 18" is the largest I've tried, but I'm sure it would accommodate larger. It's kind of a reach, though, when they get really large, so I find I have to sit in a regular (kitchen-type) chair, not on a low couch, to be able to reach comfortably to the middle of the project. Alternately, I've also used the stand sideways, which works well for larger pieces.
I really like the extension piece, too, and runs for less than $20. It's a useful bit of equipment, if you're planning to invest in the stand.
Eventually, I'm going to get a q-snap holder and a scroll frame one, too....
Hope that helps!
MC
Thanks Mary! That really helped. I ordered it and can't wait to get it. I did splurge for both clamps (stretcher bars and q-snaps) and the extension. Can't wait to get it - may have to call in sick for a couple days to play with it when it comes. LOL Thanks so much for your quick reply and your great blog.
Happy stitching,
Carol
Oh that is awesome to hear Mary! Thanks so much! I ordered mine last night and should have it by Monday according to the lady at the shop. I went with your recommendation on where to buy. The lady I dealt with was fantastic!
Thanks again,
Carol
Post a Comment
<< Home