Types of Embroidery Hoops: Explained In Details
When looking for embroidery hoops, you’ll find that there’s a wide array of options to go for. With so many types of embroidery hoops available – you may end up all confused about which one to go for.
Well, that’s exactly what we want to help you with. We know how difficult it can be to choose the ideal one when you have little to no idea about them. So we’re going to explain all the different types and how you can pick the perfect option for your needs.
Want to know all about this and possibly a lot more? Then don’t hesitate and take a deeper look into this article.
Embroidery Hoop Types by Usage
Let’s explain the different options available when it comes to application. All the following types work for a widely different purpose. So you must consider how they work before making a final choice.
Hand-Held
The hand-held model is the most common of all. You can find them with large designs going up to 12-inches of the total diameter. Yet, you may also find the mini embroidery models that are as little as 4 inches only.
They are called hand-help embroidery hoops because they’re light, easy to manage, and more versatile. You will also find hand-held hoops way more affordable than the rest.
If you need to make something fast without having to spend much time, effort, or frustration – then a small hand-held model can be your best bet.
Quilting
You may think quilting is not possible with an embroidery hoop – but indeed it is. Quilting hoops, for example, will help you get most jobs done with ease.
This happens because they’re usually pretty large, at about 12-inches for the smallest ones. They make it easy to quilt the top of the fabric, as well as do some batting and quilt back together.
While quilting is somewhat more challenging to do with a hoop than without, they still make it simpler to quilt consistently without getting too exhausted.
Spring Tension
Also called fast frames embroidery, these make tensioning a piece of cake. In case you want to keep the fabric tensed when not using, then nothing compares to a spring-tension hoop.
They can be small or large like others, the real difference comes from the spring-tension system. It attaches to the fabric and helps tighten or loosen up accordingly. That adds extra adjustments so you can put your embroidery skills to the test without worrying about the fabric falling.
Most people who use spring-tension hoops do so because they can be brought anywhere. If you need to travel around or just take the project to another place – then a spring-tension model won’t let you down.
Ballpoint Painting
In case you need to tense the fabric to the point that it looks super flat and smooth – then a ball-point painting hoop is your way to go.
This unique hoop type is most useful for painting large pieces of fabric that would wrinkle up or move when using other hoops. In short, ballpoint painting hoops are perfect for keeping the material still if you need to paint over it.
You can find these hoops in different sizes and shapes. But most of them are usually over 12-inches in size.
Machine Embroidery
In case you have a machine for embroidering, then you don’t want to use the wrong hoop. Instead, you will go for machine embroidery frames – the perfect type for working on this type of machine.
The advantage of these frames is that they prevent bunching on the fabric. You won’t have to worry about embroidering correctly as long as the frame ensures that the fabric is always set tightly.
Of course, all embroidery hoops for machines are different. So you must look for precisely the right model according to the product. Just make sure you have the ideal one and there won’t be a problem.
Stand Hoops
Last but not least, you will find the stand hoops. These are the largest models available, sometimes a few feet in diameter or length.
There are several sizes to pick from, as well as shapes. Some stand hoop models even come with adjustable height so you can manage the fabric depending on your needs.
What makes them so useful is that you can embroider all kinds of big stuff, going from quilts to blankets and much more. So if you ever need to stitch something unusually big – then a standing hoop is your best option.
Embroidery Hoops Types by Material
Now that you’re done with the different types of embroidery hoops, depending on their usage, let’s learn a few things about the materials you may find.
Wood
The most common material for embroidery frames and hoops will be wood. These hoops are usually light and easy to bring around. Some of them make tensioning a piece of cake, yet are not the most durable or resilient.
Luckily, wooden hoops are super affordable. Even the most expensive wooden embroidery hoop won’t cause much damage to your wallet. Read our recommendations if you need a wooden yarn winder as well?
Plastic
You will find plastic hoops much more durable and resilient than wood models. Apart from that, they usually come with spring-tension systems that make them even more useful.
But the real advantage is that plastic hoops may come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. In contrast with wooden hoops – these are more versatile. But of course, they’re also hugely expensive.
Embroidery Hoops Types by Shape
You know a lot more about embroidery hoops depending on their application and construction. Now let’s learn how they differ when it comes to shape.
Round
The most popular hoops are surely the round ones. As their name says, the circular design is perfect for embroidering because it allows secure fabric tensioning and still feels comfortable on the hands.
You can find miniature embroidery hoops as well as super-large models in round shape. And sure enough, they come in various materials and for different applications.
Oval
In case you need to make a wide quilt or something that demands wider-than-normal shape – then an oval hoop is the way to go.
These are usually small and/or medium-sized about 12-inches max. But they are hugely useful for unconventional embroidery projects that demand a different shape to work with.
Square
Last but not least, you will find the square hoop. Also called the embroidery frame – this type is better for embroidering on machines than doing it by hand. But they can still be super useful in case you want to make a quilt or a design on a squared shape.
Square hoops are usually small or medium-sized. Some options can be larger than 12-inches – yet they’re not too common.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many different types of embroidery hoops you can choose from that you shouldn’t have any problem.
Each type offers a unique advantage, and you can use that to fit precisely what you’re looking for.
No sense in getting stuck when trying to find the ideal embroidery hoop for your project. Use this knowledge and pick the perfect one now!