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Embroidery Hoops

by Trish
(AZ)

I haven't worked with hand embroidery in many years but look forward to picking it back up. My question is regarding the many different hoops. From what I've read, it looks like a 6-7" hoop from Hardwicke Manor would be the best. However, I'm not sure on the depth of the hoop. I will mainly being stitching children's quilts and tea towels. Please Help! Trish

Amy's Answer
I've never used a Hardwicke Manor hoop, but they do look very nice! If you expect to do some serious stitching, it would be worth the investment; however, if you're just getting back into hand embroidery and not sure what sort of projects you will tend to do, something cheaper will work just fine.

Depth is important if your quilts are thick. A deep hoop will help hold all of the batting still so the fabric doesn't pop out of place as you try to stitch. On the other hand, if you're only adding embroidery to the top piece and not actually quilting the layers together, bulkiness isn't an issue. The tea towels would also be fine on a hoop with smaller depth.

Good luck, and please share some photos when you're done!

Recommended Reading
Using an Embroidery Hoop
Hoop Problems
Crazy Quilt Embroidery

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Embroidery Hoops

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May 31, 2010
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by: Trish

Amy,

Thank you for your quick reply. I will only be stitching on muslin or tea towels. What size do you consider smaller depth? 3/8", 5/8" or ????

Thanks,

Trish

Note from Amy:
I just got out my ruler and actually went to measure my old wooden hoops for you, lol! Mine are 3/8 inch deep, and they work fine for muslin. I'd never given the depth any thought before your question.

The only time I've really had hoop problems was with punch needle. I was using a regular plastic hoop with a no slip lip. You have to keep such a strong grip on the hoop, and I think it was too narrow, that it started cutting off the circulation in my hand. I solved the problem by using a bunched up hankerchief between my hand and the hoop, just to make it a larger and softer grip, so it was easier to hold for long periods.

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