Embroidery hoops are one of the most common tools used when working on embroidery projects. Even if you didn't know that they were called 'hoops' before now, you've probably used them to help keep your fabric stretched out tightly while you're working your needlepoint or cross-stitch. 

Embroidery hoops come in a range of materials and sizes, from wood to metal to plastic, and there's even a special kind of embroidery hoop that is completely adjustable!  

Most embroidery hoops are sold with either 2 or 4 little rubber feet attached that help grip onto the bottom of your table so the hoop doesn't roll around as it gets moved about. They also have adjustable hardware with which you can fasten the outside of the hoop to tighten the fabric. 

Though embroidery hoops are commonly used in needlepoint, cross-stitch and sewing projects, they are also ideal for quilting, especially with small children's quilts. They are also often used in craft projects, such as making Christmas ornaments, small planters and even whimsical birdhouses. Remember, these hoops aren't just for embroidery or sewing either. Many people use them for decoration around their home, by putting pictures inside them to display on walls or tables! They are also pretty helpful when it comes to crafts similar to embroidery, like counted cross-stitch.  

The main advantage of using an embroidery hoop is that it keeps your fabric stretched out and clean as you work and even helps identify the front and back of your fabric.  

How To Use Embroidery Hoops?

Since embroidery hoops are used to keep fabric taut while it is being stitched, it is important to choose the appropriate size hoop for your project based on the dimensions of the fabric you have selected. Keep in mind that most fabric are approximately 45 to 54 inches wide and 42 inches tall. Double or triple thickness cotton look their best when fell-seamed and form a thick “mountain” in an embroidery hoop, which can be quite heavy and bulky to hold during the stitching process. For this reason, it is recommended to use a smaller size hoop to ensure stitching with ease. For light weight fabrics such as silk that need less support, you may use a larger size.  

Embroidery is an activity that helps bring together people from many different backgrounds - everyone from grandmothers who have been doing it all their lives to young children picking up a needle for the first time! Embroidery is both simple and complex, and once you find out what embroidery hoops can do for your projects, you'll want to try them yourself! 

If you are buying embroidery kits online, you may expect to receive fabric, thread, needles and an instruction booklet to create projects of their interest. These kits may or may not include a suitable hoop. Hence, it is recommended to either invest in a hoop suitable for your project or choose a kit that comes along with a hoop to begin the work right away.