Graph Gripper Product Review

A few months ago I learned about this inexpensive (about $7.50) tool from Yarn Tree. Made to hold charts close to war you are stitching, the Graph Gripper does not look like much of a needlepoint tool.

Made of clear plastic it has two grippers, one at each end. The larger on is designed to put on your scroll frame or stretcher bar. The wider one is meant to hold your chart securely. This isn’t very big so you can use it for small charts and stitch diagrams.

It’s a useful device to have on hand, With t you won’t have to look away from your stitching to check the diagram. You will, however, need to make a copy of the diagram and fold the paper. I found that an unfolded piece of paper would not stay upright on it. It is also pretty hard to slip the paper in. While this part of the holder is hinged, the hinge is very tight and requires a fair amount of hand strength to open it far enough to slip in the paper. These aspects could further limit its usefulness.

There are other difficulties as well. The clip for attaching it to your frame opens wide enough to fit onto the roller bar of scroll frames and on mini stretcher bars. It will not open wide enough for standard stretcher bars or Evertites. Being 6″ long, it greatly increases the height of your project. This could be a problem for fitting it into your project bag when in use. Happily, you can move the chart part and essentially fold it onto your stitching. This allows you to store it along with your project without removing it.

I liked this handy tool in spite of its shortcomings and could see that it could be useful for holding stitch diagrams. I do think that its best use will be when traveling or working in tight spaces. Otherwise, I’d be happier using just a piece of paper or the stitch dictionary, But then I mostly stitch at home these days.

It is also called a Chart