How to Use An Embroidery Hoop: The Key to Effortless Stitching
One of the first techniques to learn for hand embroidery is using an embroidery hoop. This rather rudimentary tool is essential: it will help keep your fabric in place and make the entire stitching experience much more enjoyable!
In this tutorial, I will show you how to place the fabric in an embroidery hoop and tighten it. Then, I’ll share some invaluable tips you won’t want to miss!
Below are step-by-step instructions, or you can jump to the video instead.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase an item.
This post is part of a series of posts all about hand embroidery supplies.
How To Use an Embroidery Hoop
One of the most common kinds of embroidery hoops you’ll find are screw tension hoops. These wooden hoops have an inner and an outer ring. The outer ring has a screw at the top, while the inner ring is a single, solid piece of wood.
Prep The Fabric and The Hoop
First, cut a piece of fabric. I prefer to cut mine into a square about 3-4 inches larger than the embroidery hoop. (That way, there will be about 1.5-2 inches along each side of the hoop.)
Loosen the screw, then separate the inner and outer rings of the hoop.
Hooping The Fabric
Center the inner ring underneath the piece of fabric.
Next, place the outer ring on top of the fabric, seating it around the inner ring. I like to make sure that the grain of the fabric runs straight up and down in line with the screw at the top.
Once you’re happy with the positioning, push the outer ring down until it sits flush with the fabric and inner ring.
Tighten The Embroidery Hoop
Partially tighten the screw to prevent the fabric from slipping around. (We’ll tighten it even more in the next step.)
Pull the fabric evenly along the edges until the fabric feels tight, like a drum.
Look at the fabric’s weave to make sure it looks even. Smooth out any wrinkles and re-adjust overly stretched areas.
Once you’re satisfied with the tension of the fabric, tighten the screw as much as possible. And you’re ready to stitch!
Helpful Tips
- Check the rings for gaps. If there is space between the embroidery rings, you may need to use a different hoop. A warped hoop won’t grip the fabric evenly!
- Leave an even amount of fabric along the sides of the hoop to prevent extra fabric from getting in the way while you’re stitching.
- Align the grain line of the fabric so that it runs horizontally and vertically in relation to the top screw. This will give your embroidery a nicer finish.
- Don’t overstretch the fabric—if the grain looks distorted, it may be too tight.
- Use fabrics made of natural materials, such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are more durable and don’t have any stretch, so they will stay tighter in the hoop.
- If the hoop has a flat head screw, use a small screwdriver to get it extra tight.
- Technically, there isn’t a “right side” of an embroidery hoop, but most people find it easiest to use the side with the fabric closest to you.
- If the thread snags on the screw while you’re embroidering, try repositioning the outer ring so the screw is at the bottom, or try using a grime guard.
Is An Embroidery Hoop Necessary?
While an embroidery hoop is not necessarily required, there are many benefits to using one. I highly recommend beginners start with a hoop. You will have more control over the fabric, making learning easier and more enjoyable.
Here Are The Benefits
- Embroidery hoops stretch and stabilize the fabric, helping to preserve its structure and weave. This will help keep your stitches looking neat.
- Fabric may gather or wrinkle under tension, but keeping it tight in a hoop will prevent your stitches from puckering the fabric.
- They help prevent hand fatigue and keep extra fabric out of the way.
- It allows you to use a hoop stand to hold the hoop so your hands are completely free.
Of course, there are always exceptions. There may be a situation when you can’t use an embroidery hoop, but those occasions are few and far between.
FAQs
This depends on the type of fabric you are using. If you are using Aida fabric, you may not need to because it is very stiff and doesn’t require being stretched or supported by an embroidery hoop. However, use an embroidery hoop for softer, more pliable fabrics such as linen. You may find it easier to hold and stitch your project in an embroidery hoop, so it won’t hurt to use one!
Yes, you can use embroidery hoops multiple times. If you invest in a good-quality hoop, they rarely, if ever, break. Most embroidery hoops can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but it may be time to get a new one if the hardware rusts, bends, or breaks.
If you can’t afford one or cannot get one for some reason, try this takeaway container DIY embroidery hoop. Another scrappy idea would be to secure the fabric across a picture frame or canvas bars.
If you’re having trouble with the fabric slipping, you may need to tighten the embroidery hoop or bind it using cotton twill or bias tape. Look at these practical tips for keeping the fabric tight in an embroidery hoop.
Q-snap frames, slate frames, scroll frames, and stretcher bars are the most common tools for holding fabric while stitching.
Video Tutorial: How To Set Up An Embroidery Hoop
Learn More
Here are a couple of ways you can use your hoop to display finished work:
If you’re struggling with the fabric slipping, check out this tutorial for binding an embroidery hoop.
Once you start embroidering, you’ll begin to have quite the collection of hoops lying around. Here are some excellent embroidery hoop storage ideas.
Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.
