A Detailed Guide to Understanding Embroidery Frames

Embroidery enthusiasts know that choosing the right frame is essential for achieving beautiful and precise designs. If you’re struggling to select the right embroidery frame, in this guide, and we'll walk you through everything you need to know about embroidery frames. Now let's get started!

1: What is an Embroidery Frame Called?

Generally, an embroidery frame or hoop is assembled from a pair of round rings or square rings, the larger ring of which is called the outer frame and the smaller inner frame. As a sewing tool, the physical structure of the embroidery frame is to place the outer frame at the bottom and the inner frame on top, thereby firmly fixing the fabric in place. Commonly, embroidery frames are divided into plastic embroidery frames and magnetic embroidery frames according to the material. Both are composed of two rings, but the outer frame of plastic frames usually have one more fixing device, usually a metal screw, to adjust the tightness of the embroidery frame. While, magnetic embroidery frames are more convenient, relying on magnetic attraction to clamp the fabric, without the design of a fixing device. The magnetic embroidery frame is used more popular in the embroidery industry now.

1.1 Types of Embroidery Frames

According to the material, it can be divided into plastic embroidery frames and magnetic embroidery frames.

1.1.1 Plastic Embroidery Frames

From the perspective of materials, plastic embroidery frames are generally made of two round, oval or square rings made of plastic. They are usually equipped with the mental screws, and you can use the screws to adjust the tightness of the embroidery frame.

1.1.2 Magnetic Embroidery Frames

A magnetic embroidery frame is an frame that uses strong magnets to firmly clamp the fabric. It also concludes two round, oval or square rings. Magnets are embedded in the outer and inner frames. Therefore, the magnets attract each other to fix the fabrics, and there is no need to install the adjustment device.

1.2 Common Shapes of Embroidery Frames

This article mainly introduces two common types: round embroidery frames and square embroidery frames, classified according to the shape.

1.2.1 Round Embroidery Frames

Round or circular embroidery frames usually consist of two round rings, one of which is detachable so that the fabric can be easily clipped. In fact, this embroidery frame is suitable for most embroidery work, especially small and medium-sized projects such as embroidered handkerchiefs, brooches and some home textile products. Therefore, many beginners will choose this type of framework because of its simple structure and easy operation. In general, the use of a round embroidery frame for embroidery, not only convenient, but can also help us better complete the needlework, is really a good choice!

1.2.2 Square Embroidery Frames 

A square or rectangular embroidery frame is actually similar to a round embroidery frame in structure, but its shape is square, usually composed of four sides. Speaking of materials, square embroidery frames can also be made of a variety of materials; the most common is plastic and magnetic. This type of embroidery frame is particularly suitable for wall decoration, bed embroidery and other larger embroidery projects, because its design can be very good to fix the larger fabric. A square embroidery frame provides ample space to freely maneuver your needle and thread, ensuring that every detail of your embroidery piece is executed with precision and care. In short, if you need to deal with a larger embroidery work, a square embroidery frame is definitely a nice option!

1.3 What is the Definition of Embroidery Frames?

An embroidery frame is an auxiliary means of assisting a group of people with embroidering more quickly and easily. Embroidery frames stabilize the fabric without any shifts. Speaking of materials, the embroidery frame is made of various materials, such as wooden material. Moreover, different embroidery frames are used for different industrial embroidery machines and home embroidery machines. Therefore, if you want to choose the right embroidery frame, it is also vital to know the common types of embroidery frame.

2: What Size Embroidery Frame Do I Need?

In general, the inner frame size should be at least 1 inch larger than the pattern you want to embroider when choosing an embroidery, so that you can ensure that you have enough edge space to operate. The size of the frame is generally from 4 inches to 17 inches. For starters, it is recommended to begin with a 6 "or 8" frame to handle different projects. Moreover, for experienced embroiderers, you can prepare various sizes of embroidery frames according to your personal needs to cope with different embroidery works.

Main Sizes of Two Common types of An Embroidery Frame

3: How to Measure Embroidery Frame Size?

If you want to accurately measure the size of an embroidery frame, you should firstly have a tape and measure the width and height of your pattern design, and then leave at least 1 inch larger than your pattern size when you embroidery. Here are five steps of grasping the embroidery frame types, measuring the embroidery frame, measuring the fabric sizes, considering the embroidery designs, and recording the measured sizes.

Step 1 In the embroidery frame types

First of all, the premise of accurately measuring the size is to grasp the embroidery frame types. Different types of embroidery frames have different uses and different size options. For example, the round embroidery frame is measured by diameter, while the square embroidery frame is measured by side length.

Step 2 Measuring the embroidery frame

Next, it is also a key step towards measuring the actual size of the embroidered frame.

• Measuring a round embroidery frame

It is recommended to use soft tape for measuring. When measuring the size of an embroidery frame, we need to find the center point of the embroidery frame. Then start from one side and measure the farthest distance to the other side. This distance is the size of the embroidery frame. Here is a formula: the size of embroidery frame= at least 1 inch +embroidery area. For example, if you have a 6-inch embroidery frame, the maximum area you can embroider is 5 inches. During the measurement, you need to be careful, not to bend the tape in your hand to prevent inaccurate measurements.

• Measuring a square embroidery frame

As with measuring round embroidered frames, you need a soft tape measure. When you want to measure the size of the embroidery frame, in fact, you only need to measure the length of one side of the embroidery frame. To make sure you get accurate side lengths, we recommend measuring from the inside edge of the embroidery frame to avoid some errors. It is better to understand according to this formula: the size of embroidery frame= at least 1 inch +embroidery area, as shown in the above figure.

Step 3 Measuring the fabric sizes

Also, don't forget to measure the fabric you are going to use, because the size of the fabric will directly affect your choice of embroidery frames. When measuring the fabric, you need to measure the size of your embroidery frame, and the fabric you choose should be about 3 inches larger than the size of the embroidery frame you use. For example, if you choose a 4-inch embroidery frame, you should choose a fabric of about 7 inches. On this condition can the fabric be firmly clamped, and there also leaves enough edges for handling.

Step 4 Considering the embroidery designs

Next, you need to measure the size of the embroidery patterns, because it can further help you determine the size of the embroidery frame. The embroidery frame should be at least 1 inch larger than its embroidery area, and the pattern should be embroidered within the embroidery area. That is, “the size of embroidery frame= at least 1 inch +embroidery area, and the size of pattern ≤ embroidery area. Each embroidery pattern is different, the complexity and requirements of the pattern are different, and the required embroidery frame size is also different. Choose the embroidery frame carefully according to your specific needs.

Step 5 Recording the measured sizes

The last is to record the various dimensions you just measured. You can record the diameter or side length of the embroidery frame, as well as the appropriate fabric sizes, which is very useful for you to buy an embroidery frame. In general, as long as you follow these five steps, you can easily find an embroidery frame that suits you! So, how should we use the embroidery frame correctly?

4: How to Use Magnetic Embroidery Frames?

If you want to learn how to use the magnetic embroidery frame accurately, you need to remember the five steps of preparing the things needed for embroidery, installing the magnetic embroidery frame, adjusting the tightness of the embroidery frame, starting an embroidery, and completing an embroidery. Watch this video to learn how to use magnetic embroidery frames in action, as you can read the following detailed steps.

Step 1 Preparing for an embroidery

The first step is to prepare the cloth, thread, needle and other materials needed for embroidery, and then choose a suitable magnetic embroidery frame accordingly. 

Step 2 Installing the magnetic embroidery frame

After completing step 1, you can start to install the magnetic embroidery frame. The magnetic embroidery frame also consists of two parts: the outer frame and the inner frame. Therefore, you need to disassemble them first. Secondly, you need to put the outer frame at the bottom, and then put a layer of stable fabric (such as adhesive interlining) on it, and then put the fabric on top of the fabric, aligning the fabric to the middle of the frame, and then put the inner frame on top of the fabric. Because the magnetic embroidery frame has a strong magnet, it will automatically fix the two parts together without manual adjustment for the fabrics to be secure.

 Step 3 Adjusting the tightness

Once the installation is complete, you need to check the fabric inside the frame for any looseness and pull the fabric tight to make sure it's level. If you buy an embroidery frame with an adjustment device, you can further adjust the tightness of the fabric as needed. 

Step 4 Starting an embroidery

 After the adjustment, you need to transfer your embroidery pattern to the fabric. In embroidering, you can have a water-soluble marker or other tools if necessary. What’s more, you should relax your hands and do not pull hard on the fabric. Of course, when embroidering, you will also need to periodically check that the fabric is still tight to ensure that the pattern is intact.

Step 5 Finishing an embroidery

You need to gently remove the inner frame and fabric when you have finished embroidering. After that, you can clean, iron or trim embroidery according to your specific needs. If you use water-soluble markers during the embroidery project, remember to remove them before cleaning. Well, as long as you follow the above five steps you will learn how to use magnetic embroidery frames. The frames can be used to do a variety of embroidery projects, including cross stitch, free embroidery and so on. Using a magnetic embroidery frame allows for precise positioning and tension, resulting in beautifully finished pieces.

Conclusion

Here comes to an end. This paper sincerely hopes to give you some practical support, and hopefully it will help you know more about the basics of the embroidery frame and the technique, so that you can have more fun and fulfillment in your journey of embroidery art. If you want to buy embroidery frames or magnetic embroidery hoops for our brand Sewtalent, you can visit the website: www.magnetichoop.com to get more information. If you have any problems, please leave us a message!