Hand embroidery hoops

Embroidery hoops use stretched fabric

Embroidery hoops are tensioning devices that hold the fabric firmly while embroidery stitches are being sewn. Embroiderers use stretched fabric to pull the stitches correctly to avoid unsightly wrinkles. But there are needles that do not use an embroidery hoop. They do it in another way - they tightly wrap the fabric around their fingers. Embroidery that is done in a hoop is called the "stab" method: the stitches are made by moving the needle in two motions: starting with the needle being brought to the wrong side of the fabric, it is stretched, then the needle turns to the front .

But there are other points that are called 'points'. These are worked with a single needle motion, which involves bringing the needle to the back of the fabric and then back to the front of the fabric in one action. This beautiful embroidery technique is also known as the "skimming" or "scooping" technique. It is a very important, very efficient and very fast technique for knitting stitches: chain stitch, elastic stitch, back stitch and continuous stitch. In this hoop, it is not necessary to work the 'sewn' stitches. The reason: the surface tension of the fabric will be compromised to allow the needle to easily enter and exit.

Selection and preparation of frames

Embroidery hoops are available in plastic and wood, and the quality of these two types of hoops varies greatly. The choice of frame is often influenced by the material available on the market, but it is very important to buy the best of what it is made of.

There are frames of very good quality, the white wooden rings with brass fittings are made in Germany and are the best, far superior to any other frame on the market. The rings of these shelves are made of laminated wood and have a beautiful finish. The fittings are made of brass and are therefore much stronger than those found on inferior rims. The brass of these racks does not bend when the edge is tightened and allows you to maintain a high level of tension. More important is the fit. The frame bolt has a slot at the end that allows the ring to be tightened with a guide bolt to obtain and maintain a firm drum surface.

See here how you can make a frame, yourself (video of Learn with Momovipro):

A thicker screwdriver that is easier to use

A thick-handled screwdriver is much easier to use than a thin-handled one and makes a useful addition to your embroidery kit. It is recommended to tie the inner ring of the hoop, as this will prevent the fabric from sliding against the wood. Commercial bias binding is ideal as it is a thin and ready bias binding. You may prefer twill tape as it is not as thick and does not leave grooves when wrapped.

It is very important to choose a light color that does not fade into the fabric; white is the best. Iron the bias, then wrap it around the inner ring, overlapping only the edges. Then you just need to sew the ends together to secure them. Please note that round rims are available in three depths: 5⁄16" (7mm), 5⁄8" (16mm) and 1" (25mm) and frame sizes range from 4" (10cm) at 30cm (12")

special racks

Most racks are round, but there are also rectangular and square racks with rounded corners that are a much more practical shape for most projects. These racks fit one way and are stamped on both rings to indicate this. They usually do not require binding as they fit very well together. Some of these rims have a variant of the tension screw that joins the outer rim without pushing it down, as the conventional one does. This is a big fit and these rims come at a higher price as a result, but it's well worth it. Having the hoop supported will make embroidering a much more enjoyable task.

A frame with a seat is the perfect solution and well worth the investment. These racks have a flat wooden base, with an adjustable vertical stem that holds the frame on top supported by an adjustable post. just sit on the base and no need to hold the frame. This allows you to sew with both hands, with your favorite hand under the work, thus cutting your embroidering time in half. Various grid sizes are available.

How to get the most out of it

As with most tools, you can get the most out of a rack if you use it correctly. There really is no value in having the fabric in a hoop if you let it slack and hold tension with a finger under the work! Take the time to carefully insert the fabric into the hoop; gradually tightening both the frame and the fabric until a solid, even surface is obtained. Make sure that the weave of the fabric remains firm against any distortion, as this will become a painful task when removing the hoop. Pull only on the right side of the fabric, not on the bias, as this will stretch and distort the flower.

Once the fabric is taut, use the screwdriver to fully tighten the screw. This will ensure that the fabric is held firmly, and until you put your fingers into the fabric, it will stay that way. Regularly check the surface of the fabric as you work and if you notice it is loosening, re-tighten it. Hold the hoop by the outer ring without touching the fabric. If you are working at a table, you can place the frame on the edge and support it with a heavy book. This way you can work hands-free.
When using a hoop for the first time, it is necessary to mark the point on the inner ring that is directly under tension. When you wear the hoop again, always put it back in the same place, as you will find that the inner ring flattens out slightly at this point and it is impossible to get a good fit unless this flat stitch is in the right place.

Keep the rack clean

There is nothing more daunting than finishing an embroidery and removing the hoop only to discover that you have a dirty loop around the fabric. No matter how often you wash your hands, skin secretes natural oils that attract dirt and all of this easily transfers to the fabric, especially around the edge of the frame.
To avoid this problem, you can follow these ideas:
• Place a thin piece of cloth, gauze or muslin, on top of your cloth when you hoop it. Pinch both fabrics together, then carefully cut away the top layer to expose the part of the design you are working on.
- Do the same with a piece of transparent film.
- Glue the tissue paper to the surface of the fabric, and then cut out the area you are working on.
- When each sewing area is complete, cross a piece of fabric or tissue paper over it to protect the finished work.
- Stretch a shower cap over the hoop. The elastic edge will keep it in place and can cut through the plastic in the area you are working on.

How to tie a rack

To protect the fabric from the wood and prevent the fabric from slipping, it is recommended to tie the inner frame with tape or bias tape. To mount the fabric, stretch the section of fabric to be worked over the inner hoop. Hold the grain of the cloth perpendicular, press the outer ring and tighten the screw. Good quality shelves have screws that can be tightened with a screwdriver and give the best results.

1 - Separate the two pieces of the frame.
2 - Using a bias iron, hold the end and wrap around the inner ring of the frame.
3 - Work the small stitches on the back on the bias edge.
4 - Wrap the frame with the binding making sure it does not wrinkle.
5 - When you reach the starting point, cut the excess edging and work the small back stitches to secure them.
6 - Assemble the canvas on the frame.