Description
If you are not sure what a slate frame is or how to use one, I have created this video tutorial to explain all about them. I hope you find it helpful.
Designed and made with love by my Uncle Rowl, cabinet-maker, these beautiful, traditional slate frames are the best way to ensure drum-tight tension over your working fabric for all types of embroidery. I would advise that if you can, and if the scale of the piece warrants the effort, you should always use a slate frame. For the hours you will put into a piece of hand embroidery, it is definitely worth it and you will enjoy working the piece much more.
Hand-crafted from finest quality Polimier Beech, finished with two layers of hard-wearing satin lacquer, slate frames come with strong cotton webbing attached with stainless steel staples, and stainless steel split pins with rubber protector caps. These frames are designed to last for a lifetime of stitching. All sizes of frames are sturdily made to avoid warping under tension.
Frame sizes refer to the length of webbing on the rollers of the frame, and therefore the maximum width of fabric you can attach to the frame. For example: a 15” (38cm) slate frame will allow you to work with a 15” (38cm) width of fabric, allowing a maximum design size of approximately 12” (30cm), with a border of spare fabric of 1.5” (3.8cm) at each side.
Frames are available in: 8” (20cm), 10” (25cm), 12”(30cm), 15”(38cm), 18”(45cm) and 24”(60cm) Small slate frames (8” to max 15”) can be effectively supported for hands-free stitching, using a ‘Lowery Workstand’.
Larger slate frames will require use of traditional trestles which can be made to order; please enquire for further details. Bespoke frames can be made to order; please enquire for further details.
Dimensions:
- 8” (20cm) frame: webbing 20cm, rollers & arms 32.7cm
- 10” (25cm) frame: webbing 25cm, rollers & arms 38.2cm
- 12” (30cm) frame: webbing 30cm, rollers & arms 43.5cm
- 15” (38cm) frame: webbing 38cm, rollers & arms 52.5cm
- 18” (46cm) frame: webbing 46cm, rollers and arms 62.5cm
- 24” (61cm) frame: webbing 61cm, rollers and arms 78.5cm
Other useful items with the slate frame – nylon cord, packing needle, Coats Duet thread
(Please note that the stand pictured is NOT included).
Melanie (verified owner) –
Thank you so much for such a beautiful slate frame.
Clearly made with love.
Lindsay Etches (verified owner) –
Thank you for my order. I had to wait for stock, but it was worth it. Fabulous frame and I look forward to using it on my next embroidery. 😊
Darlene Sears (verified owner) –
I could not be happier with my purchase. I was very apprehensive about purchasing a slate frame and was unsure if I could dress the frame adequately. However, I watched the video by Jenny and had no trouble at all. The fabric is drum tight, and I am ready to start my gold work class. I am waiting to purchase the 24″ frame when it is available, as I have a design from the Crewel Work company that I will be working on soon. Thank you so much for providing this beautiful frame. I am fortunate to own such exquisite craftsmanship, and I look forward to many hours of stitching on this frame.
Jenny-Adin-Christie –
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback Darlene xx
Liesel von Metz (verified owner) –
These slate frames are beautifully made and wonderful to use. I am a recent convert to slate frames having tried so many other options, I won’t be going back! For the first time I can work a large project on a frame which has good even tension- and stays that way.
These frames are so well made compared with others available and they are locally made in the UK so what’s not to like. I have an 18-inch frame set up, it’s totally stable and the fabric is drum-tight, a real joy to stitch on.
If you have not used a slate frame before, please don’t be put off, that bit of work at the start of the project is well worth it and the instructional YouTube videos explain it all very well.
Emilie –
I just received the frame
It is superb
The wood smells great
Its honey brown color is gorgeous
The beechwood is light
Its soft finishes are just what I was looking for
What a poem
Thanks again
Heather Cooper (verified owner) –
Received my slate frames today and thrilled with my purchase. Peter’s work is impeccable!!
After seeing this perfection I have ordered the hand made trestles to complete my workspace. Absolutely recommend these slate frames. Thank you so much.
Laura Milton (verified owner) –
They say a well made slate frame will last you a lifetime and that is exactly what you get here. The craftsmanship shines through, the wood is beautifully shaped and so smooth. The beech is incredibly strong and yet surprisingly lightweight for something so solid. Fully laced the frame shows no sign of stress or movement.
The YouTube tutorial will gently walk you through each stage and offers an education that will dispell any fears for first timers. Not only will you know how to dress your frame, you’ll learn why it is dressed this way.
Following the tutorial I managed to lace a fine silk paj into the frame without any issue. The tension achieved was staggering; “drumtight” doesn’t do it justice. But what was really shocking was my silk was completely unharmed. No puckering or striping, just next level, uniform and on grain tension.
The frame (12″) fits comfortably in my lowery stand – I wrapped some felt around the frame for a little added protection.
The service was top notch throughout and incredibly friendly. I will most definitely be back for more.
Jenny-Adin-Christie –
Laura, thank you so very much for taking the time to leave this lovely feeedback. I am delighted to have been able to help and that you are so pleased with the frame. Alos super to hear that you found the Youtube tutorial helpful! Hope you enjoy some lovely stitching on the frame xx
Elizabeth Wilkinson (verified owner) –
They both arrived today all I can say is WOW beautiful craftsmanship. When I work out what other sizes I require I will most certainly be back. Thank you the feel of the wood is luxurious.
Jenny-Adin-Christie –
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback about our slate frames Elizabeth. I am delighted to hear how pleased you are with these! I hope you will enjoy stitching on them xx
Janet (verified owner) –
Many thanks for my slate frame which arrived safely today. It certainly is of beautiful quality. I look forward to starting a new project and I know it will help me enormously.
Jenny-Adin-Christie –
Hello Janet
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. I’m delighted that you are so pleased with the frame and hope it brings you many hours of stitching pleasure x