How to Choose an Embroidery Hoop | Best Sizes, How to Use, and Do You Need a Stand?
One of the first tools you’ll need when starting embroidery is an embroidery hoop.
By keeping the fabric taut, it helps your stitches look neat and makes embroidery easier to work on.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of embroidery hoops, including recommended sizes and how to choose one for beginners.
What is an embroidery hoop?
An embroidery hoop is a tool used to hold and stretch fabric in place.
By stitching with the fabric kept taut, your stitches are less likely to distort and will look cleaner.
An embroidery hoop is mainly made up of the following parts:
・Inner hoop
・Outer hoop
・Screw (used to tighten and secure the fabric)
By sandwiching the fabric between the two hoops and securing it, the fabric becomes easier to work with for embroidery.
You can embroider without using an embroidery hoop,
but the fabric tends to loosen, making it harder to keep your stitches neat.
If you want a clean and polished finish, we recommend using an embroidery hoop.
How to Choose the Right Embroidery Hoop Size
Embroidery hoops come in a variety of sizes.
The key is to choose one that matches the size of your project.
Here is a general guide:
| Embroidery Hoop Size | Suitable Projects |
|---|---|
| 8〜10cm (3–4 inches) | Small motifs, brooches, etc. |
| 12〜15cm (5–6 inches) | Standard-sized designs |
| 18 cm or larger (7 inches or larger) | Larger designs |
Embroidery hoop sizes may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, so choosing a size around “10 cm” as a guideline is often the easiest to work with.
If you are new to embroidery, a hoop around 10–12 cm is easy to handle and highly recommended.
If you are new to embroidery, a hoop around 10–12 cm is easy to handle and highly recommended.
☝️ Choose the right embroidery hoop size
based on your project
Advantages:
📍You can work while seeing the entire design
📍Convenient for adding beads or dimensional decorations
Disadvantages:
📍French knots and finishing knots can be difficult to make
📍Can be harder to handle due to the larger size
📍Heavier weight may put strain on your hands
When making a finishing knot,
you may find it difficult to adjust the shape because your fingers can’t reach the area easily, so removing the hoop temporarily can help.
The same applies when making French knots.
Large embroidery hoops allow you to work while seeing the overall balance of your design and make it easier to add dimensional decorations without flattening them. However, they can be harder to hold and may put more strain on your hands.
Also, since it can be difficult to reach the center area, you may need to remove the hoop temporarily if you want to support the fabric with your hand while stitching.
Advantages:
📍Easy to hold and puts less strain on your hands
📍Great for detailed work
Disadvantages:
📍Finishing knots can be difficult to make
Small embroidery hoops are easy to handle and great for beginners. However, in some areas, the hoop can get in the way, making it difficult to create finishing knots on the back.
In such cases, remove the hoop temporarily before making the knot.
I often use a 15 cm embroidery hoop, as it allows me to see the whole design easily.
If you’re working on a small motif, a hoop around 10 cm is recommended.
Hoops in the 10–13 cm range are easy to hold and don’t put much strain on your hands, making them great for beginners.
For larger projects, I sometimes use a smaller hoop (around 10 cm) and move it around the fabric as I stitch.
Differences Between Wooden and Plastic Embroidery Hoops
☝️Embroidery hoops are mainly available in wooden and plastic types.
📍Many wooden hoops are lightweight and easy to handle.
📍They have the natural feel that is unique to wood.
📍The gentle friction helps keep the fabric nicely taut.
📍They can be a little more expensive, but many are well made.
They are easy for beginners to use and are commonly used in embroidery classes.
📍Many come in colorful designs.
📍They are often stylish and visually appealing.
📍Affordable and easy to try.
📍Depending on the material, some may be slightly heavier and can put strain on your hands.
They are affordable and easy to get started with, and you can enjoy a wide variety of designs.
In our video lessons, we use wooden embroidery hoops because they are easy to handle and let you enjoy the warmth of natural wood while stitching!
There are also bamboo embroidery hoops available.
They are lightweight and easy to hold, and are usually affordable, but they can warp or wear out more easily, so it’s best to think of them as a consumable item.
How to Use an Embroidery Hoop
Using an embroidery hoop is very simple.
1. Loosen the screw on the outer hoop
2. Place the fabric over the inner hoop
3. Put the outer hoop on top
4. Tighten the screw and stretch the fabric
Adjust the fabric so that it is stretched tight. This will make stitching easier.
If the fabric becomes loose while you are stitching, adjust the tension and tighten the screw slightly to keep it firm.
You might think that pulling the fabric very tight makes embroidery easier, but stretching it too much can cause the fabric to distort and affect the final result.
The key is to keep the fabric moderately taut.
How to Hold an Embroidery Hoop
Do You Need a Hoop Stand?
Hold the embroidery hoop lightly with your left hand and adjust its position as you stitch.
You can tilt it, turn it upside down, or hold it at any angle that feels comfortable to work with.
Embroidery Hoop Stand
There are also stands that allow you to work with the embroidery hoop upright.
They are especially useful for larger projects where holding the hoop can put strain on your hand, but for smaller hoops, you can work comfortably without one.
I use a stand when filming my videos, but I don’t usually use one in my everyday stitching.
It’s also an item that can make you feel more excited about your work, so it can be fun to try using one once you get more comfortable with embroidery!
Not Sure Which Embroidery Hoop to Choose?
For beginners, an embroidery hoop around 10–13 cm (4–5 inches) is easy to handle and recommended.
This size is perfect for small motifs and simple embroidery designs.
It’s also helpful to have a few different sizes of hoops, depending on the size of your project.
Beginner Animal Embroidery
Animal embroidery may look difficult, but this beginner-friendly lesson is designed so that even first-time stitchers can follow along with ease.
We also offer a trial lesson where you can start by practicing the basic stitches.
Beginner Animal Embroidery
