Using an embroidery hoop (or frame) when you embroider is often considered to be essential. I have a small collection of hoops of different sizes, and every now and again I use them. My largest hoop is too big to place among my general stitching stash, so it sits on a shelf, like a huge halo.
I know that experts are divided as to whether we should use hoops – so here are the reasons for and against…
Most books on cross stitch list the hoop as an important part of the stitcher’s equipment, often placed alongside needles, fabric and threads in its importance. The reason for this is generally given that the hoop holds the material taut while you are stitching – and therefore helps you to produce even stitches.
Additionally, if you have any sort of mobility problem that affects the fingers or wrists, using a hoop, frame or a special lap-frame or table-frame can help to minimise pain, and deterioration of the condition. If you have a lap-frame, this can free your hands so that you can use one hand above the frame and the other one, below, so that you simply pass the needle from one hand to another through the fabric. This eliminates that swinging movement that is made when you are making stitches.
Stitchers who never use a hoop include the great Jane Greenoff and Shirley Watts. Jane asserts that she prefers working with her cross stitching in her hand as it allows the sewing action to take place without hindrance. Shirley adds that a hoop can be cumbersome and can easily leave snags or stretch marks on the fabric. She also enjoys feeling the material scrunched in her hands. It is clear that when you see close-up photographs of their work that their stitches are beautifully even.
If you do decide to use a hoop, how can you get the best from it? Hoops have two rings, one with a fastening. You sandwich the fabric between the rings, and adjust the fastening to keep it tight. The inner ring can be wrapped with tissue paper or cotton tape to prevent any damage to the fabric. If you prefer, you can use an interlocking bar frame for small projects and a rotating frame for larger pieces of work.
The hoop should never be placed over an area of stitching, as this can pull and distort the stitches. It’s also essential to remove the hoop after each stitching session, so that marks and creases are not formed. I wonder how many stitchers always use a hoop or frame? Please share your experiences with us.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
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carol paisley 08.30.08 at 2:08 pm
I use a smaller hoop for stitching since my hands are somewhat painful with arthritis and a larger hoop is awkward for me. Therefore, I have to place it over the stitched area as well. So far, I have not had any problems with distortion of the stitches. Right now,I am making projects for our church fair and use vinyl aida, which I love to use since it does not need a hoop. I am doing coaster inserts, lotion bottles, etc. I have often wondered how the vinyl would work with an actual picture done in X-stitch. After this, I think I will try something small and see how it works.