Embroidery hoops are popular for stabilizing fabric and preventing it from stretching as you sew. They come in a variety of sizes and can be reused with each project if necessary. With a little care, your embroidery hoops can be used over and over again.
Embroidery hoops are a popular way to frame and display hand embroidery. The most common type of embroidery hoop is made of wood, metal, or plastic and shaped like a round cylinder with a small hole in the center. Embroidery hoops come in different sizes and can be used with fabric that is around 4” x 4” up to 6” x 10”.
What Are Embroidery Hoops?
Embroidery hoops are typically made of wood or plastic. They have one or two “arms” that span the open circumference. These arms are usually connected to the hoop by rubber rings or springs which allow the arms to flex while remaining attached so they don’t detach or break away during use.
Embroidery hoops come in wide and narrow sizes. The wider the hoop, the more fabric can be supported. You can use the same embroidery hoop to frame or display multiple projects that have different widths and lengths of fabric. The size and type of hoop you need depend on your design, the size of your fabric, and the type of stitches you’ll be working with.
Most embroidery hoop models have a screw on the inside to attach the hoop to your embroidery machine. Some also feature a reliable snap-on clamp that keeps the hoops securely in place while you are sewing. Another common feature is an adjustable sleeve that can slide over the inner rim of the hoop when you want to change the size of your embroidery project.
Are Embroidery Hoops Reusable?
Despite their tendency to break down, certain examples of hoops can be reused. Know the type of hoop you are using, as only some are capped with a screw and will not be able to be put back on the frame. You also need to know where your hoop is made before purchasing it.
Any type of embroidery hoop that is capped with a screw cannot be used over again. These hoops are usually made from wood and metal and may need to be periodically “recapped” with a new piece of tape or an appropriate size screw so they will remain secure during use.
you can utilize your old hoops as a frame for a project that has different needs. For example, if you are sewing a small design onto one edge of your fabric and you have an old hoop with the correct diameter, you can still use it. It’s not necessary to buy a new hoop when this type of situation arises.
Large metal hoops can be used over and over again if the finish on them is not cracked or damaged in any way. Keep this in mind if you are purchasing a metal hoop that does not require screws for attachment because it may be reusable. Wood embroidery hoops may come apart with use but can be refinished or resewn so they can then be used like new ones again.
Embroidery hoops can be used as a sewing guide and can be used to keep your fabric taunt while you attach the design to it. Before using embroidery hoops as a sewing guide, make sure the arms of the hoop do not get twisted or bent.
Ensure you are picking the right hoop for your needs when you use embroidery hoops. Most of the time, embroidery hoops are made from polyester or polypropylene, which can cause any regular household fabrics to rip very quickly when they get caught on them. If this happens, then it’s important to be able to dispose of the fabric while still keeping the hoop intact.
After using an embroidery hoop for a time, many people find that they have run out of room in the hoop where they felt comfortable storing items. This is when people find that they can’t use the hoops again because they either have very large items or extra pieces leftover in them.
What Do You Do With Your Old Embroidery Hoops?
You may recycle old embroidery hoops in the following ways.
1. As Photo Frame
Embroidery hoops can be used to frame a project before hanging it. You can use them as photo frames as well, in place of standard frames available for purchase.
2. As A Sewing Aid
An embroidery hoop is used to keep fabric taunt so you can sew it together properly. This is usually done with straight stitching around three sides of the fabric and leaving one side open so you can flip the design over to continue sewing from the new side. This type of sewing creates a more durable seam that will not unravel easily when handled or laundered repeatedly.
3. As Wall Hanging
Embroidery hoops can be used as a wall hanging for any type of artwork. Select one that is strong enough so it will not fall over after the artwork is hung. Hoops can also be used to hold the fabric in place while you paint, stencil and ink onto them. They are also great to support work while iron or press is used on it.
4. As A Towel Holder
Embroidery hoops can be used to hold towels in place on a rack. This is a good idea for towels that you don’t use every day and don’t want to fold up and put away because it’s more convenient to use one that is already displayed. Use a larger hoop so the towel will not fall through the arms of the hoop.
5. To Keep Clothes On A Hanger
Substitute a hoop for a wire hanger if you don’t have enough of them hanging in your closet or laundry room. This will secure clothing items as they are hanging so they can be used at any time without worrying about accidentally taking them off the hanger.
6. Butterfly Net
Embroidery hoops can be used as butterfly nets for small butterflies, bugs and other insects. Flip the hoop upside down so the smaller opening is at the top and place a net across the bottom of it. This will help you capture any insects that are in your home or yard area so you can either relocate them or get rid of them.
7. Christmas Ornament
Embroidery hoops can also be used as holiday decorations or tree ornaments during Christmas time. You can decorate them with embellished fabric, paper, or other small items to give them a unique look while they hang on your tree through the holidays.
8. Easy Wreaths
Wreaths are a popular holiday item that you can make with embroidery hoops. You will need a larger diameter hoopand several wooden beads to compliment the wreath. You need to start by layering the embroidery hoops on top of each other and then inserting the beads onto them to be used as decorative accents. The inner hoop will be the part that is visible once you hang your wreath on your door or wall.
9. Cardboard Box Stand
To get an idea of how you can use an embroidery hoop, look around your home for a container that needs a stand when it is placed on its side. Packages of cookies, cakes, and other types of food items are difficult to store on their side without a stand or bracket to hold them in place. Placing a hoop over the box at an angle will allow you to set the box upright and not worry about it tipping over. This is also a good idea for items that are shipped via UPS or other carriers with cardboard boxes.
10. Hangers For Over The Door Organizers
Over-the-door organizers have become very popular because they can be used for storage space anywhere in your house. The organizers that you purchase come with plastic hooks attached to them so you can hang them on any door.
11. Hanging Planter
Since you already know how to use embroidery hoops for organizing and storage, it’s not hard to come up with another idea for them. Create a unique hanging planter by placing your seedlings in an embroidery hoop and then attaching it to a hook on your planter. This will give you a great place to hang the plants once they are ready for the garden.
12. Emergency Hardware
Embroidery hoops can be used in place of washers if you have a leaky faucet or water pipe. You can also use them as gaskets or o-rings when you have other types of plumbing malfunctions that need to be fixed quickly.
13. Pincushions
Embroidery hoops can be used as a pincushion if you don’t have a space in your sewing room to dedicate to them. You will need to select one that has enough space available for all of your sewing tools and needles so they don’t fall through the bottom of the hoop.
14. Organization For Your Sewing Room
Embroidery hoops are the perfect items to use when you are organizing your sewing room. You can use them as drawer organizers, fabric organizers, bathroom organizers, and even wall organizers throughout your house. Use small ones to organize small items such as rubber bands, bobby pins, and other accessories in the bathrooms.
What Can I Use Instead Of An Embroidery Hoop?
If you can not use an embroidery hoop because of any reason, you may have some alternatives to hold your fabric to do embroidery.
1. Embroidery Tape
You can also use embroidery tape to secure your work onto fabric. This type of tape is used in place of a hoop because it’s easier to use and takes less time to attach. Taping is not as secure as using a hoop and you may need to add several layers of clear packaging tape to the back side of your quilt before you can use it.
2. Hand Sewing
Hand sewing has been used to hold fabric to itself and then secured with a seam. You will need to sew both the inner edge of your fabric and two strips of clear packaging tape before using it for embroidery purposes.
3. Sewing Pins
Sewing pins can be used as a substitute for hoops or hand sewing. You can sew any fabric items together, using either needles or pins, before securing them with clear packaging tape. This type of sewing does not hold in place very well and may need additional support during use.
What Care Should I Give My Used Embroidery Hoops?
Use the following tips to care for your embroidery hoops and extend the life of each one you own:
1. Keep Your Hoops Clean
Wipe any dust or lint from your hoops with a damp cloth after each use. Use a toothbrush to clean around the edges or crevices if necessary. Let them dry completely before using them again. If you use hoops on a regular basis, wipe them off straight after use so you don’t have to wait for them to dry completely before storage.
2. Avoid Storing Them in the Heat
Remove each hoop from storage periodically to make sure it’s completely dry. Avoid leaving your hoops in direct sunlight or high heat for long periods of time as this can cause cracking, discoloration, and damage to the finish on your hoops. Do not use bleach or other harsh chemical cleaners on them. If you do have to use a cleaner, use a mild household detergent and rinse thoroughly with clean water after use.
3. Do Not Over-Use Your Hoops
If you are using embroidery hoops daily, it’s best to keep them in a cool and dry place where they will not be exposed to any type of damage. If your hoops are warped or no longer provide support to your fabric, throw them away to avoid any further damage.
FAQ about Are Embroidery Hoops Reusable?
What Do You Do With Embroidery Hoop When Done?
If you are done with your project and don’t want to wear or keep it, use a hoop for storage. Wrap it in plastic and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag to preserve it until you need it again to finish another project. Recently finished hoops look great displayed on your wall as decoration as well.
Are Embroidery Hoops Necessary?
Embroidery hoops are necessary if you are hand embroidering a project. The hoop is the only way to ensure the fabric that you are working on will hold its shape while you are sewing. Also, without a hoop, your stitches might be uneven or crooked.
Are Plastic Embroidery Hoops Good?
Plastic hoops are used in home embroidery supply stores and some craft stores. They are used less often than embroidery hoops made from wood because they do not provide the same support for your fabric as wood does. However, they are very affordable and are great to use on a small embroidery project or as a trial for hand embroidery.
How Do You Embroider A Beginner Without A Hoop?
You can do hand embroidery without an embroidery hoop if you have patience. We recommend trying out smaller projects, to begin with – no more than half an inch in size. Keep each stitch parallel to the last one and flat against the fabric. This will ensure that your work does not become uneven due to poor stitches after removal from the hoop.
Can You Cross Stitch Without A Hoop?
Embroidery is a type of cross stitching and not handling. You do not need to use a hoop for cross-stitching. Just hold the needle and thread up to the fabric and make your stitches. If it gets tangled, let it sit for an hour or so, and then try again.
Can You Put An Embroidery Hoop Over Stitches?
You can use embroidery hoops to cover your stitches and protect them while you are working on them. However, this is not necessary. You can just leave the stitches visible while you are working on them. Once they are finished, use a hoop to cover and protect them while they are on display or until you are ready to begin another project.
Final Thoughts
Embroidery hoops are an essential tool for all embroiderers, regardless of their level of experience or age. You won’t have to worry about sewing mishaps if your fabric is not properly supported while sewing if you use a hoop to hold your work taut and secure.
This article will hopefully give you some insight into how to recycle embroidery hoops in the best way.