The Different Types of Embroidery Hoops and How to Pick One
There are many different hand embroidery hoop options available. When you’re first starting out, it might feel a bit overwhelming! In this post, we’ll explore the various types of embroidery hoops so you can get a better understanding of which kind is the best option for you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase an item.
Wooden Hoop
These are the most common hoops you can find at the craft store, and they’re also the type that I use the most frequently.
Make sure that the inner and outer rings seal completely together. Any warping or gaps in the rings will prevent it from properly gripping the fabric. Bamboo hoops tend to be the most prone to this problem.
- Made of bamboo, pressed wood, or beechwood, which is usually the highest quality option.
- Easy to use with a large variety of fabrics, even clothing.
- Common Sizes: 3 – 10 inches
- Pros: Higher quality hoops are very durable and last a long time. Have a nice natural wood finish to them for framing.
- Cons: Lower quality options may be prone to warping or have flimsy hardware on them.
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Plastic
Plastic embroidery hoops are also commonly found at most craft stores. These are a great option because they have a lip on the inner ring that helps keep the fabric tight in the hoop.
- Use with light to medium weight fabrics such as cotton and linen.
- Common sizes: 3 – 12 inches
- Pros: great at gripping fabric, durable
- Cons: Don’t look as nice for displaying embroidery
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Flexi Hoops
Flexi hoops are made of flexible plastic. The outer ring stretches over the inner ring of the embroidery hoop to secure the fabric in place. You can find them in many colors and some are even made to look like wood grain.
- These are convenient to use for stitching as well as displaying finished embroidery.
- Common sizes: 3 – 12 inches
- Pros: come in a wide variety of interesting shapes including circular, oval, hexagon, and octagon
- Cons: hanging hardware can sometimes loosen or fall off
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Spring Tension Hoops
Instead of a screw, spring tension hoops have a metal inner ring that you squeeze to take it in and out of the hoop. The inner ring provides tension in between the fabric and the outer ring. You can learn how to use one here.
- Common Sizes: 2 – 8 inches
- Pros: Easy to take fabric in and out of.
- Cons: Can have some tension issues. Not ideal for displaying embroidery.
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Q-Snap Frames
Q-snap frames are made of plastic pieces that fit together into a square. 4 plastic pieces clamp onto the frame to grip the fabric.
I don’t personally use these very often, but they are a fine option and come in a wide variety of sizes.
- More commonly used for quilting but they also work well with Aida fabric for cross stitch.
- Common Sizes: 6 x 6 – 20 x 20 inches
- Pros: Light weight option for projects with larger dimensions. Easy to assemble.
- Cons: The clamps can move around, which can change the tension of the fabric.
Product Pick
Metal Hoops
I have yet to find new metal embroidery hoops anywhere, but I find them thrifting a lot! From my experience, they don’t hold the fabric as nicely and they can also leave marks on the fabric, so they would be best for decorative use instead of everyday stitching.
What Are the Best Embroidery Hoops?
Here are a few products that are made of premium quality materials:
Considerations For Choosing Hoop Size and Type
Embroidery hoops come in lots of different sizes. Here are a few things to consider when choosing one.
Will you be leaving the finished embroidery in the hoop? Choose a hoop that complements the colors in the design. Make sure it fits the entire design with a little bit of extra margin for some breathing room.
What is the size of the design you plan to stitch? Make sure the hoop fits around the design you’re stitching. If you can’t find a hoop that fits around the entire design, you can move it around as you work. Just be careful when placing the hoop over existing stitches; binding a hoop is a great way to add some extra protection.
Working on an extra large project? Keep in mind that larger hoops are harder to hold and a bit more challenging to keep the fabric tight in.
Consider investing in a desk or floor stand to prevent hand fatigue. An alternative option is a slate frame or a scroll frame, which come in larger sizes and are great for pieces you plan to frame.
Additional Tips And Tricks
- Check to make sure that the hardware is not bent inward. Flimsy or bent hardware will make it harder to screw the embroidery hoop tight and the hoop won’t hold your fabric as well.
- Be sure that the inner and outer rings are present when you purchase hoops! I’ve gotten home before to find that I’m missing the inner ring. No fun!
- If you’re working with delicate fabric that you’re worried about creasing or stretching, or you feel like you’re fabric isn’t staying tight in a hoop, try binding your embroidery hoop.
- Always take the fabric out of the hoop before you wash away marker or dissolvable stabilizer. The metal hardware can rust with excessive moisture which could stain the fabric.
FAQs
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.
