What hoop or frame should I use for my stitching?

Choosing a hoop is all based on personal preference. Ask yourself questions like... How big is my project? How long is it going to take me to finish? Will I be traveling with it?

The Wooden Embroidery Hoop. This was the industry standard for a very long time before other more modern methods came about. The wooden hoop are available in a variety of sizes from 3 inch up to 12 inch.

However complete tension can become a issue, all of the tension is dependent on the screw at the one side so tension is not even across the fabric. You do push down on your fabric when you are hopping it with a wooden hoop and this can warp your fabric.

Beware of hoop burn when using any type of embroidery hoop. Hoop burn is when there is a hoop impression left in the fabric. This will usually always happen to and extent. But once you are done with the project and clean and iron it, it will usually disappear. However just to be on the save side I recommend that you un-hoop your stitching when you are not working on it. Less time in the hoop equals less changes of hoop burn right.

When using a hoop you will be holding the fabric in your hands so make sure they are clean. The oils from our hands is what makes your fabric dirty and yellow over time. But no matter how well we do the fabric will get dirty so it will need to be washed and ironed once finished. See Donnett's Needlework Blog "How to clean your finished embroidery."

I do think Wooden Hoops make a very cute display your finished piece. Once the project is finished, embellish the edges with lace, paint, gems or other such materials and use it as a display frame.

Spring Tension Hoops are super easy to use, no more tiny screws or warped fabric.

Simply squeeze the bars to the inner ring to take it out of the outer hoop. Then lay your fabric over the outer hoop, squeeze the inner ring and gently set it inside the outer hoop. This gives nice even tension to all parts of the hooped area. Spring tension hoops are available in 3 sizes 3.5”, 5” and 7”.

I hold the hoop so my fingers are over the squeeze bar area that way my thread does not get tangled or snag as I am stitching. I do like using the spring tension hoops for small Hardanger pieces. Another big plus of the Spring Tension Hoops is that they are easily portable, you can take your project almost anywhere.

If you have a hoop that you have used for awhile and feel like it is not holding as tight as it used to. Pull the Squeeze Bars away from each other. It might feel like you are making the inner ring bigger, but when it goes back in the outer ring the tension will be back to normal.

The spring tension hoop can cause hoop burn so again I recommend that you un-hoop your stitching when you are not working on it. Your hands will be touching your fabric so it will get dirty as you work on it and will need to be washed and ironed once finished. (How to use a Spring Tension Blog)

Q-Snap Needlework Frame are made up of PVC piping which can be configured to fit your project. Simply assemble the PVC to the desired shape or size. Then lay your fabric over the frame.

Q-Snap has a unique method to hold fabric taut while stitching. The four plastic C-shaped clamps hold the fabric onto the bars. Place the four plastic C-Shaped clamps on to each side of the frame. To adjust the tension roll the C-clamp outward.

The Q-Snaps can be a bit bulky and depending on the size and shape of your project and could become a bit heavy. Also after a long time in use the C-Shape clamps could become loose, but replacements are available.

Again your hands will be touching your fabric so it will get dirty as you work on it and will need to be cleaned once finished. Also be aware of hoop burn again I will recommend that you un-hoop your stitching when you are not working on it. (How to use a Q-Snap Blog)

EZ Stitch Scroll Frames are sturdy scroll frame, fashioned from solid American Red Oak and hand finished with Golden Oak oil stain.

The EZ Stitch  Scroll Frames use the No Basting System. There are two separate parts of the EZ Stitch Tape.  EZ Stitch Tape for Rod is for the Scroll Rods and is already attached directly to them. EZ Stitch Tape for Fabric,   you will attach to your fabric across the top and bottom.   I fray my fabric till there is a straight line, then put the tape along that line a few rows up . This will ensure even tension top and bottom.

You will not have any hoop burn with a scroll frame as all your fabric is wrapped around the bars. Also your hands will not be touching the fabric as you work so it will stay clean. With the scroll frames you can stitch with 2 hands this means you can stitch faster. Also your thread will be going in straighter so less wear on the fibers.

Now depending on the size of your project / rods the scroll frame can become heavy. I would recommend using the EZ Stitch - Lap / Table Stand legs for any project larger then 20”. With larger projects it can be a bit cumbersome to travel with.

How to assemble the EZ Stitch - Lap / Table Stand Blog

How to attach fabric to the EZ Stitch - Scroll Frames Blog

Remember your questions...

How big is my project? How long is it going to take me to finish?

If it is larger then 20 inches it will probably take you awhile to finish. So maybe the EZ Stitch - Scroll Frames is the right choice for that project. This way your fabric wont get dirty over the time it will take you to finish.

Will I be traveling with it? If the answer is yes, choose the Spring Tension Hoop. It is easy to travel with and everything can fit in to a small tote.

I hope this has help you figure out which hoop or scroll frame is right for your project.