Have you recently started doing cross stitch or embroidery? Now, you’re trying to decide what kind of embroidery hoop or frame to use.
There are different sizes and kind of embroidery hoops and embroidery frames. The hoops and frames can help you cross stitch and embroider more easily.
You don’t have to have one if you don’t want to. In fact I actually prefer not to use an embroidery hoop for my cross stitch projects.
But, I do like to use one for embroidery projects. Because Aide cross stitch fabric that you use for cross stitching is a stiffer fabric. And the fabric that you use for embroidery is usually a softer material that needs an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut.
Whether you want to use an embroidery hoop or not is entirely up to you. If you find it’s easier to use one or you find it’s harder to use one, it’s whatever you prefer.
But, you don’t use a hoop for plastic canvas or needlepoint.
Save on your Pinterest for later Here.
* This Post may contain affiliate links.*
What are embroidery hoops and frames?
An embroidery hoops can be circular or oval. They are made of two rings, an inner ring and an outer ring. They’re made to hold your fabric taut for easier stitching.
You’ll place the fabric over the inner ring. Then place the outer ring over that so that the fabric is between the two rings. And you’ll pull the fabric taut, then you’ll tighten the screw on top of the hoop.
And there are embroidery hoops, quilting hoops, and spring tension hoops. I will say that with embroidery hoops they can leave hoop marks on your fabric. That’s the only thing that I don’t like about them.
An embroidery frame is a rectangle or square. The fabric is placed on scroll rods with clips and you can twist the scroll bars to move the material. A embroidery frame is great for larger projects. And the frames can have a lap stand or floor stands.
An embroidery frame can also be called a tapestry frame and a scroll frame.
What is a embroidery hoop made of?
There are wooden hoops, plastic hoops and also metal ones. They used to be made from wood, ivory or bone. And I like to use the plastic ones.
I used to have a wooden embroidery hoop, but I notices a little while back when I tried to use it that the inner ring was warped. So, when I went to buy a new one I saw that there was plastic ones.
I bought a plastic hoops and I discovered that I really like the plastic ones. The plastic holds the fabric better and there’s even a little ridge on the inner ring that snaps into the outer ring. That helps to hold the fabric tight and secure.
But, some may prefer to use the wooden ones, and to help hold the fabric you can wrap the inner wooden ring with twill tape or fabric. And that can help secure the fabric.
Like the hoops, embroidery frames can be made of wood or metal, but can sometime be made from plastic. Depending on the type of frame. I have actually only used a scroll frame made of wood, but since I like the plastic hoops. I may like the plastic frames better.
Hoops are better for smaller projects or if you don’t want to use a bulky frame. And the frames are better for large projects, if you want a larger frame with more room to work.
Are there different sizes of embroidery hoops and frames?
Yes, there are all kinds of different sizes you can get. You can get a smaller hoop as small as 2 inches to a larger hoop like 12 or more inches. The size I use is probably the most common size of embroidery hoop, I use an 8 inch hoop.
And embroidery scroll frames can also come in different sizes. You can get a scroll frame set that has different lengths of roller bars for different sizes of projects. The one I have is about 20 inches long. And the general rule for using a frame for you cross stitching is that the rods need to be about 2 inches longer than the piece of fabric.
The side bars of a embroidery frame are usually shorter than the roller bars.
Caydo 6 piece Embroidery Hoop Set
Here is a set of colorful plastic embroidery hoops. You get 6 embroidery hoops from 3.4 inches to 10.4 inches. And I love that all the hoops are a different color. As a bonus this set also comes with 15 needles.
Caydo 6 piece Wooden Embroidery Set
These are a good choice if a cross stitcher prefers to have a wooden embroidery hoop. And this set comes with various sizes. But whether you want a plastic or wooden one is just personal preference. And you can get a stand for embroidery hoops like this one with adjustable wooden knobs.
Embroidery Frame Stand
This is a cross stitch frame with a table stand. It would be great for those larger projects and if you prefer wooden frames. And it comes with plastic clips to help hold your fabric.
Scroll Frame
Or, if you just want a scroll frame without a stand. This comes with holder for your tapestry needles. And it comes with plastic c-shaped clamps to help hold the sides of the fabric.
Q Snaps
A Q-snap frame is a great choose for needlework. And they are great so you don’t get hoop marks on your fabric piece. This set comes with 3 sizes of Q-snaps 6″ 8″ and 11″, and it comes with a extension kit.
You don’t have to get this set, there are single sets and other sizes then these. They’re made out of PVC, so that makes them lighter, but they’re also good quality and very durable.
There are plenty of frames and hoops out there to choose from. So, you can find the best frames and hoops for your project. Whether you want a frame for a large project or a hoop for a small projects.
For frames and hoops you can also get this Frank A Edmunds co. universal craft stand. To turn your frame into a floor frame to free up your hands. And the knobs on it help you to adjust it to different heights.
All of these hoops and frames would be great for a long time stitcher or a beginner stitcher. I put in both hoops and frames in this post, so whichever your preferred method is I hope that you find the right choice for you.
And here is a tip, make sure that the frame you are buying has clips. Because the first couple frames I had were just regular split rail scroll frame, without clips. So, I had a hard time getting enough tension, but it could have been user error.
Because I just started doing cross stitch, but tension clips are a good thing to have. And what about the price, frames are more expensive than hoops. But, if you need a frame and you find that the price is to much.
You could probably find a cheap scroll frame at an estate or garage sale. Just check and make sure that the wood isn’t warped.
Check out my other embroidery posts
- Needlepoint vs embroidery: what’s the difference
- How do I pick the best needles for cross stitch
- Sewing thread vs embroidery thread: what are they
- Cross stitch vs needlepoint: what’s the difference