An embroidery hoop is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your fabric taut while you stitch. It makes it easier to achieve neat and even stitches. When used in combination with a stand, a hoop also allows you to stitch with two hands for greater accuracy and speed.
Why You Should Use an Embroidery Hoop
Using a hoop to hold your fabric taut makes it easier to achieve neat even stitches. For larger projects, you can use an embroidery frame. However, remember not to leave your work in the hoop for an extended period. It can cause creases that are difficult to remove.
To achieve even well-formed stitches, stab up and down through the fabric in your hoop with the needle held vertically. Pull the floss with the same amount of tension for each stitch. Loose stitches will appear limp and stitches that are too tight will pucker the fabric and distort your design.
How to Use an Embroidery Hoop
Loosen the screw and separate the inner and outer rings.
Place the inner ring on a flat surface with your fabric centered over the top. Then put the outer ring over the fabric and press down so the bottom ring is snug inside the outer ring. Start to tighten the screw so it begins to grip the fabric.
Working around the hoop gently pull the edges of the fabric until it is completely taut. Tighten the screw gradually to hold the fabric in this position. It should sound like a drum when you tap it. You can use a screwdriver to get the screw really tight.
Whilst you stitch you will need to repeat this last step from time to time to ensure the fabric is tight.
Loosen the screw and separate the inner and outer rings.
Place the inner ring on a flat surface with your fabric centered over the top. Then put the outer ring over the fabric and press down so the bottom ring is snug inside the outer ring. Start to tighten the screw so it begins to grip the fabric.
Working around the hoop gently pull the edges of the fabric until it is completely taut. Tighten the screw gradually to hold the fabric in this position. It should sound like a drum when you tap it. You can use a screwdriver to get the screw really tight.
Whilst you stitch you will need to repeat this last step from time to time to ensure the fabric is tight.
Tip: Wrap the inner hoop with bias binding tape to prevent damage to your fabric and reduce slipping.
