What Is a Quilting Hoop?
A quilting hoop is a double ringed hoop made of either wood or study plastic. Quilting hoops are available in a variety of sizes and are utilized by people embarking on hand-quilting projects. It sections off an area of the quilt, providing a smaller, sturdy work space, thus making the process easier for the quilter. Of the two rings in the quilting hoop, one is slightly smaller, allowing it to sit inside the larger ring.
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Purpose
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The purpose of a quilting hoop is to pull the area of the quilt in which you are working taut, thus freeing your hands from having to hold the quilt and allowing for more refined stitching. A quilt is made of three layers, including the top layer, batting and backing. A quilting hoop holds each of these three layers together so the end product is even, polished and has the proper shape. Because the quilter’s hands are free, they can guide the needle as it passes through the top and bottom of the quilt, giving the quilter the ability to sew small, delicate stitches.
Sizes
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Quilting hoops come in a variety of sizes. Sizes range 10 to 22 inches in diameter. The size of the quilting hoop you choose is dependent on the size of your quilting project. Quilts range in sizes from small throws, to bedspreads, to wall quilts. When creating an average sized bed quilt, quilters typically use quilting hoops between 14 and 18 inches in diameter.
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Quilting vs. Embroidery Hoops
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Quilting hoops are easily confused with embroidery hoops which are meant for smaller embroidery projects. A quilting hoop differs from an embroidery hoop in that it is thicker. A quilting hoop is meant to hold all three layers of the quilt’s thick fabric, and is 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Conversely, an embroidery hoop is only 1/2 inch thick. Quilting hoops also have rounded edges, while embroidery hoops have sharper edges.
Using a Quilting Hoop
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When using a quilting hoop, the smaller of the two rings is placed underneath the fabric on the section of the quilt in which you will be working. The larger hoop with the butterfly wing nut attachment is placed on top of the quilt’s fabric, over the smaller hoop that sits underneath. As the larger hoop slides over the smaller hoop, pinching the quilt’s fabric between, the fabric is pulled tight so it does not slump or sag at the center. The butterfly wing nut is then tightened to hold the quilting hoop in place. Quilters will work on the section of fabric at the center of the quilting hoop.
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