How to Put Fabric in an Embroidery Hoop

Embroidery hoops help hold the fabric taut while you’re stitching, to help your stitches come out even and smooth. They’re useful for cross-stitch, crewel, needlepoint, silk ribbon embroidery and more. You can find embroidery hoops in many fabric stores, as well as in online specialty shops. Most embroidery hoops are round or oval shaped and made from plastic or wood. If you buy a wooden embroidery hoop, make sure to get a good quality one that won’t splinter. Some wooden embroidery hoops may also need to be washed before the first use, so that they don’t stain the fabric. Plastic hoops can be more durable (and more colorful), but some embroiderers believe they don’t hold the fabric quite as tight. Embroidery hoops come in a wide variety of sizes. Smaller hoops can be easier to hold, but larger hoops may let you reposition the hoop less often.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery hoop
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Unscrew the fastener at the top of the embroidery hoop until it releases the inner hoop. Remove the inner hoop from the outer hoop.

2. Position the inner hoop underneath the fabric, around the area you want to embroider. You’ll want the hoop to surround as much of the area you want to embroider as possible, without getting the hoop too close to where you’ll be stitching.

3. Smooth out the fabric as much as possible, then place the outer hoop on top of the fabric, fitting it over the inner hoop.

4. Pull the fabric gently but firmly until it’s taut between the two hoops. Tighten the screw to hold the two hoops together. Make sure the fabric is as taut as a drum. If necessary, loosen the screw and tighten the fabric more. Then retighten the screw.

5. Remove the hoop after you’ve finished your embroidery by loosening the screw and removing both hoops.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 to move the hoop to another section of fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also buy embroidery hoop holders if you need both hands free. Make sure to buy a holder that fits the size and style of embroidery hoop that you have.

• Place the inner hoop inside the outer hoop and tighten the screw for storage, so that the inner hoop doesn’t get lost.

• Machine embroidery requires a specialized hoop that’s made to fit that particular model of machine. Follow the directions that came with the hoop to stabilize the fabric in the hoop and insert the hoop in the machine.

• Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the embroidery hoop.