To hoop, or not to hoop?

Embroidery hoops are tools used to keep fabric taut while working embroidery or other forms of needlework.

 

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I’ve been stitching like a maniac over the past few days. I’m on a deadline and need to get this project finished. I usually use embroidery hoops as I think my stitches are neater (and straighter), but I find that it takes twice as long this way.

My fabric has been on the hoop and then off the hoop and then on the hoop and then off the hoop. I’m absolutely undecided and it got me thinking about what everyone else’s thoughts are regarding hoops. I posed the question on social media and got all sorts of responses as to why people use a hoop, or why they don’t. Now I’m throwing it over to you…

 

Do you use a hoop for embroidery, quilting, applique, cross stitch? Or not?

 

If you like embroidery, I just discovered that Jessica Marquez (from Miniature Rhino blog) has a new Craftsy class. Design It, Stitch It: Hand Embroidery, by Jessica Marquez

 

And here’s some fun hoop wall art. Pinterest is such a wonderful source of inspiration. I must try this one day.

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12 comments

  1. I use a hoop to quilt and embroider but not for applique. I found using a hoop for embroidery and stitchery allowed me to do it for longer periods of time as it seemed to relieve that pressure of holding on to the fabric more tightly when you stitched by hand. Cheers x

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  2. I have tried to use a hoop for hand quilting but for the love of me I just can't do it, it drives me nuts. I haven't even bothered for embroidering. I plan on using my hoop for decoration when I eventually get a sewing room (if I can find it again by then!)

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  3. Wow, what a coincidence:
    I just used your Love heart tutorial and after machine embroidering it I put in in a hoop! Then I saw your hoop post... Thanks for your "Love" tutorial - it turned out beautiful!

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  4. I like a hoop too for embroidery... but recently doing stem stitch I battled with it so went without.... definitely I feel my backstitch is more accurate with one.... however I know quite a few people who don't use one and do beautiful work.... I agree with Michelle and find that it puts much less strain on my hands by using one which is the main reason I like to use one
    Hugz

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  5. I love a hoop too but not if I'm doing chain stitch - weird but true.

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  6. I use a hoop for all embroidery but nothing else. Lots of various opinions... Good question!

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  7. I do some cross stitch, a hoop is essential for that. I also think it's essential for embroidery or the stitches can pucker when you've finished. Having said that, I hate embroidery hoops (except for hanging finished work!) and use a QSnap frame. Much better.

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  8. I use a hoop that is on a stand so you don't have to hold the fabric or the hoop. You just sit in your chair and have the stand in front of you and stitch away. Way better for me, here is a link to the one I use. http://www.joann.com/quilter-s-hoop-inwonderin-stand/2183614.html#q=hoop&start=18

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  9. I used a hoop years ago to cross stitch but find it really uncomfortable to use, so doubt Id use one for applique or quilting, although am sure for embroidery you would get neater tension

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  10. When my mom taught me to cross-stitch, she told me I MUST use a hoop. I find them very difficult to work with though. So, I tried doing it without the hoop and my fabric ended up all wonky. :( As a result, I no longer cross-stitch. I decided it's too frustrating to put all that time and effort into a project that either frustrates me or doesn't look right. I haven't hand quilted yet, so I'm not sure what I'll do when it comes time for that. (I'll probably have to try both.)

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  11. I never hoop...I find it really hard on my fingers, and I don't relax and enjoy the process as much. I stopped using one in 2008 and have never looked back. It didn't change how neat my stitches were, either. Just being intentional and allowing yourself to enjoy the process and rhythm of stitching brings about good stitches naturally. Just don't rush...breathe, smile, enjoy. xxx

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  12. I don't use a hoop it starts to hurt my wrist and hand if I am stitching for any long periods of time with a hoop. Since not using a hoop I can stitch as long as I like and also do not get circle impressions on my fabric that I have to later deal with.

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