How to Use Embroidery Hoops for Crafts
Embroidery hoops are a standard tool for needlework. They are basically used to keep fabric taut and stable, which makes it easier to work with while you stitch. If you are just beginning with embroidery, cross stitch or other forms of needlepoint, you may need a few tips to get you started. Soon enough, however, you'll find embroidery hoops to be invaluable tools while working on your stitching and even a viable option for displaying your pieces when they are complete.
Things You'll Need
- Embroidery hoop
- Evenweave fabric
- Tapestry needle
- Embroidery floss
- Needlepoint pattern
Instructions
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1
Find the right size hoop for your project. For most pieces, you want a hoop slightly larger than your pattern. For very large patterns, it is better to work with a smaller hoop to help break the design up into smaller, more manageable pieces.
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2
Cut out your fabric according to the size of your pattern. Be sure to leave a margin of a few inches around all edges to account for fraying and finishing.
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3
Find the center of the fabric. Fold the fabric in half horizontally and then vertically to make a cross with the folds. Stick your needle through the center with your starting color to mark it.
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4
Using the folds and the center point as your guide, drape the fabric over the smaller inner ring. Push the larger outer ring down on top and tighten the screw to set the hoop, gently tugging on the fabric as you do so to pull it taut.
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Start stitching. Work from the center outward and routinely check your stitches against the pattern.
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Tips & Warnings
Both plastic and wooden hoops have their advantages and drawbacks. Plastic hoops are slightly more expensive, but unlike wooden hoops, they are much harder to break and will not splinter. For larger patterns, you can make a basic grid with a backstitch. For cross stitching, DMC now sells Magic Guide Aida cloth printed with a grid in water-soluble ink that can be removed with a gentle washing. Consider framing your work in an embroidery hoop. Craft stores sell decorative hoops just for this purpose, but the standard ones work just as well. You can also create fun, colorful wall art by framing fabric remnants in hoops and hanging them in playful patterns. Either of these options is great for decorating a craft room or a child's room.
Do not leave your stitching in a hoop when you are not actively working on it. This can cause wrinkles that are hard to iron out and will generally distort the fabric. Instead, roll the fabric up around a cardboard tube when you put your stitching away.
