The best embroidery hoop for beginners is a 6-inch wooden hoop with a brass or metal screw. It fits a small design, sits comfortably in one hand, and the screw lets you tighten the fabric drum-tight. Add a 4-inch hoop for small motifs and an 8-inch hoop when you move to larger pieces.
Here is how to choose a hoop, how to put fabric in it, and how to avoid hoop marks.
What an embroidery hoop does
A hoop is two rings. The inner ring sits under the fabric and the outer ring presses down over it. Together they hold the fabric tight, which keeps stitches even and stops puckering. In machine embroidery the hoop also attaches the fabric to the machine arm.
Hoop sizes
| Size | Use |
|---|---|
| 3 to 4 in | Small motifs, initials, ornaments, framing mini pieces |
| 5 to 6 in | Most beginner projects; easiest to hold |
| 7 to 8 in | Medium designs, shirt fronts, tea towels |
| 10 in and up | Large designs; often used on a stand |
Pick a hoop slightly larger than the area you are stitching at one time. You can move the hoop across bigger designs.
Types of hoops
- Wooden hoops: the most common. Beechwood hoops are smooth and grip well. Cheaper bamboo hoops work but can be thinner and less round.
- Plastic hoops: often have a lip on the inner ring for better grip. They do not snag fabric and are easy to clean.
- Spring tension hoops: a metal inner ring that clips into a plastic outer ring. Quick to move, and the fabric lies flat on the table. Good for free-motion machine embroidery.
- Clip frames and snap frames: square or rectangular plastic tubes with clips. Popular for cross stitch because they do not crush stitches.
- Display hoops: decorative hoops meant for framing a finished piece.
How to put fabric in a hoop
- Loosen the screw and separate the rings.
- Lay the inner ring on a table and place the fabric over it, design centered.
- Press the outer ring down over the fabric and inner ring.
- Tighten the screw a little.
- Gently pull the fabric edges, working around the hoop, until the surface is smooth and taut. Keep the grain straight.
- Tighten the screw fully. Tap the fabric: it should sound like a drum.
- Keep the screw at the top, at 12 o'clock, if you are right-handed, or where it does not catch your thread.
Tips for beginners
- Wrap the inner ring with cotton twill tape or bias tape. It grips slippery fabric and protects delicate cloth.
- Take the fabric out of the hoop when you stop for the day. Leaving it in causes creases and hoop marks.
- Do not stretch knit fabric. Use a stabilizer behind T-shirts and sweatshirts and hoop them gently.
- If your design is larger than the hoop, finish one area, then move the hoop. Use a clip frame over finished stitches to avoid crushing them.
- Re-tighten the screw as you work. Fabric loosens over time.
Can you embroider without a hoop?
Yes. Stiff fabrics like felt, canvas and Aida can be stitched in hand. Thin cotton and knits are much harder, because they pucker. A stabilizer can help if you prefer to work without a hoop.
Frequently asked questions
What size embroidery hoop should a beginner buy?
A 6-inch hoop. It suits most beginner kits and patterns.
Wood or plastic hoop?
Both work. Wood looks nicer for displaying finished pieces. Plastic grips well and lasts longer with heavy use.
How do I remove hoop marks?
Mist the fabric with water and iron it from the back on a towel, so you do not flatten the stitches.
Can I frame my embroidery in the hoop?
Yes. Trim the fabric to about 1 inch, gather it on the back with a running stitch, and cover the back with felt. See what to do with finished embroidery for more ideas.
Start stitching
With your hoop ready, follow how to embroider and practice the first stitch. Stitching a gift? See what to embroider for project ideas.
Or skip the hoop and shop ready-made embroidered baseball hats.
