What Can You Use Instead of An Embroidery Hoop?

Finding an embroidery hoop is a challenging task even for seasoned embroiderers. Getting the wrong hoop can result in a damaged fabric and a failed project.

Because of this, it is essential to know some alternatives that you can use.

You can create your embroidery hoop with recycled materials, and there are a lot of DIY hoops that you can try. You can create your embroidery hoop from a throw-away plastic container.

The main concern when looking for an embroidery hoop is the size. It is a bit tricky if you got the wrong hoop size for your fabric, and you will end up adjusting the hoop from time to time.

It can cause damage to your fabric and stitches as well.

What is an embroidery hoop called?

Embroidery hoops are also called tambour frames. Back in the late 1700s, people used tambour hoops to create tambour lace.

The frame consists of a pair of coaxial circular or elliptical rings. It holds the fabric taut to allow comfort while stitching the lace in the material.

Over time, tambour frames were re-designed and renamed as embroidery hoops. The original hoops were created out of metal, bone, or ivory.

Today modern-day hoops are either plastic and wood.

→ Shop Embroidery Hoops on Amazon here

What do you do with embroidery hoops?

One of the essential materials in embroidery is your hoop.

It is where you place your fabric to keep it stable while you stitch. Its primary purpose is to keep the fabric tight to avoid it getting damaged as you move along with your stitch.

Nowadays, embroidery hoops are not only used for stitching but as a decoration as well. Here are some of the fantastic items you can make with embroidery hoops:

• Farmhouse wreath
• Rope string hoop
• Embroidery hoop craft supply pockets
• Winter woodland wreath
• Embroidery hoop hanging planter
• Embroidery hoop dream catcher
• Hanging succulent wreath

Can you do embroidery without a hoop?

Most of those who do embroidery use hoops to prevent distorting their fabric. But there are instances when they cannot use their hoops or don’t have one.

That is nothing to worry about as you can still embroider without hoops.

All you have to do is maintain a decent tension on your fabric to avoid it from getting distorted.

Another effective way of doing embroidery without a hoop is by using a scroll fabric. It helps in maintaining fabric tension and is also hands-free.

You can put your focus elsewhere while stitching. You can do that without risking damaging your project.

You can also stitch using your hands without an embroidery hoop. To do this, hold your fabric between your fingers and thumb. Stretch it as you sew to maintain the tension in the textile and to avoid damage.

If it is your first time embroidering without a hoop, you can feel a sore in your fingers. But if you do it often, you will get used to it, and the muscles in your fingers will be more relaxed. You have to do more practice to master stitching without an embroidery hoop.

How do you do an embroidery hoop?

There will be times that you will find it challenging to look for an embroidery hoop that fits your project. When that happens, you can always try the ‘do-it-yourself’ embroidery hoop.

It is easy and does not need a lot of effort to create. Here is the step-by-step process on how you can do it with a throw-away plastic container.

1. Prepare the following materials:

• Plastic container with lid
• Tape measure
• Marker
• Knife
• Nail file
• Duct tape

2. Make the larger outer hoop first. To do that, measure the plastic container by the size you need. Make sure it has the correct measurement for your project. Draw a circle around the entire container with a marker or any tracing tools.

3. The smaller inner hoop comes next. Measure the lid ⅕ inch from the raised edge. You can change the measurement depending on your needs. Draw a circle on the lid with a marker or any tracing tool.

4. Cut out both hoops you traced in the plastic container. Use the utility knife for cutting. Take precautionary measures when using the knife.

5. Use the nail file to file down the edges of the hoops that you cut. It can also remove sharp edges from the cut container. Smoothing the sides ensures that the hoop will not damage your fabric.

6. Once done, smoothing the edges try placing your fabric in the hoops. Place the smaller inner hoop over the bottom and press it together. After stitching, remove the material from the hoops. Pull the two circles apart, and make sure you do not damage the fabric.

Do take note that this DIY embroidery hoop is only suitable for thin fabrics. The inner and outer rings do not snap together properly with thick materials.

Aside from a throw-away plastic container, you can also use a picture frame. Remove the backing and the glass, and you can use it as an embroidery hoop.

How tight should an embroidery hoop be?

Your embroidery hoop should not be too tight. Its purpose is to keep the fabric taut while you are stitching.

If you keep it too tight, the fabric may rip as you move it together with the hoop. Make sure to put it lightly and just enough to keep the fabric stable.

If the embroidery hoop is too tight, it will leave marks on the fabric, which is another thing that you should watch out for. You can remove the marks, but it will be additional work.

There are times when removing the marks is not quickly done. When that happens, you have to wash the fabric over again until the marks are gone.

How do you remove embroidery hoop marks?

Leaving your embroidery hoop too tight will leave marks on your fabric. It will not look good on your finished output, which is why you need to clean it.

There are different ways on how you can remove embroidery hoop marks.

Here are some tips that you can try and the materials that you will need:

• Lint roller
• Ironing spray
• Spray bottle filled with water
• An extra piece of fabric
• A damp or hot cloth
• Fabric softener

Using the materials above, you can do the following to remove embroidery hoop marks:

• Spray the marked area using the ironing spray. Rub it with your fingers until the marks are gone.
• Roll the lint roller in the fabric until the mark fades.
• After removing the fabric from the hoop, spray it with water right away. Leave it for 5-10 minutes until it dries. Press it with steam once dry to remove the marks.
• For light-colored fabrics, spray it with starch mixed water then dab it with a soft cloth. You can also dub it with your hands until you can remove the marks.
• Rub the hoop marks with another section of the fabric. You can also rub it with a similar fabric until the hoop mark is gone.
• For dark-colored fabrics, use an ordinary fabric softener to remove the marks.
• Spray vinegar and water cleaning solution over the damaged area in the fabric. Dubbed it with another piece of the same fabric until the marks are gone.
• Wash the fabric right after completing the stitching. Iron it after to remove the embroidery marks.

These are the simple steps on how you can remove embroidery marks in your fabric. You can choose which process is more efficient for you.

The important thing is that you will be able to remove the embroidery marks from your structure.

Do you need a stabilizer for embroidery?

An embroidery stabilizer plays a vital role in your embroidery project. If you put it into a real-life context, the stabilizer is the manager of your project.

It guides you throughout the process and holds everything together. Without this, your work will be three times more difficult.

Here are more reasons why it is challenging to embroider without a stabilizer:

• Not using a stabilizer will affect the lines and spacing of your stitches. It will look like a mess, and the stitches will be all over the place. Stabilizers are for protecting the fabric from getting ripped.
• Stabilizers come in different kinds as well. Each one plays a vital role in your embroidery project. The backing embroidery stabilizer reinforces your work. It gives support and durability to your fabric while you stitch. Another kind of stabilizer is the topping. It prevents the stitches from sinking too deep into the fabric. In that way, you can avoid getting the fabric crumpled.
• The quality of your work might not be how you want it to be. Without a stabilizer, it is difficult to maintain clean work in embroidery. You can get the fabric ripped or get the stitches wrong. You might also end up starting from scratch if your fabric gets too damaged. It is because you worked without a stabilizer.

Save yourself from the hassle and use a stabilizer for your embroidery project. If you are having difficulties in finding one, you can always create your own. Make your project worthwhile with the help of a stabilizer.

→ Shop Embroidery Stabilizer on Amazon here

How do you attach the fabric to an embroidery hoop?

Attaching the fabric into an embroidery hoop is a tricky part. It is because you need to make sure not to attach it too tight and too loose.

You need to be accurate when doing this to avoid damage to your fabric.

Follow these steps and use them as your guide on how to attach a piece of fabric to an embroidery hoop properly:

• Prepare your hoop. Make sure you get the hoop that fits the size you need for your project.
• Unscrew the metal screw from the outer ring to loosen the hoop. The outer ring does have a metallic screw opening that you can tighten or loosen. Take note that for other hoops, the screw is made up of plastic. After you unscrew the screw, remove the hoops.
• Place the fabric in the inner ring of the embroidery hoop. Make sure that it is properly spread.
• Press the outer ring down into the inner ring of the embroidery hoop. The fabric should be overlapping all sides of the hoop. Slowly adjust the fabric’s position as you tighten the screw. Close the ring and make sure that the material is taut and well placed across the embroidery surface.
• Tighten the screw of the embroidery hoop to secure the fabric in place. This time, you need to check if the hoop is too tight or loose. Adjust it accordingly. Remember that it should not be too tight to prevent getting hoop marks. It should not be too loose to avoid the fabric from getting crumpled.
• Adjust the tightness so you can start stitching and enjoy your embroidery session.

Those are the steps on how to set up a piece of fabric for an embroidery hoop. Use it as a guide for your next embroidery project.

The importance of embroidery hoops in stitching is incomparable. If you are new to embroidery, it is one of the must-have tools when doing your project.

It will let you create art without stressing about your fabric. Remember that your fabric is your canvas that you need to protect and avoid from getting damaged.

Fabric art is a fun craft that you should enjoy without any worries. That is the reason why you need an embroidery hoop. It gives you security about your project, and it eases your mind from any possible mistakes.

If you already have enough experience to do embroidery without a hoop, then that is fine. But if you are new to the craft, free yourself from pressure. Enjoy the beauty of embroidery while you master the basics.