To Use a Magnetic Embrodiery Hoop Like a Pro

As an essential accessory in embroidery, hoops are designed in all sorts of types and sizes. It’s really overwhelming for an embroidery rookies to figure out what they need for their projects. Well, we can not turn you into a pro within a short time, but we can share with you choices of professionals and what they do to maximize these magical tools' full potential. This is a guide on using magnetic embroidery hoop, read on and you’ll learn about what a precious invention the very tool is.

1. How do I choose a hoop?

1.1 Different types of embroidery hoops

In the high-demand industry, everything is divided meticulously into multiple types. To understanding these magical tools, we should get a overview at the very beginning. We can group by:

1. Type of tension
2. Material
3. Size

Now let's learn more about what the various hoop are and how to use them.

1.1.1 Type of tension

1. Screw Tension Hoops

Screw tension hoops use a screw to adjust the fabric’s tension. It’s suitable for securing fabrics of various thickness. Though the screw is designed for easy operation, it seems to be a disadvantage in modern times since there are more advanced tension adjusting method.

2. Spring Tension Hoops

Spring tension embroidery hoops use a spring to clamp fabric and keep it taut. They're easy to use without tools, making them perfect for quick projects. These hoops are simple, fast, and portable, but they offer less tension, which might cause fabric to shift, so they're not ideal for long-period or detailed work.

3. Flexi Hoops

Flexi embroidery hoops have a soft plastic ring that tightens fabric. They're lightweight and mainly used for decorative embroidery or wall displays. They look nice and are easy to hang, but they don't hold tension as well as other types, making them better for decoration than actual embroidery.

4. Magnetic Hoops

Magnetic embroidery hoops use magnetic force to keep fabric taut and even. They're easy to use, won't damage your fabric, and are great for machine embroidery or projects needing a strong fabric grip. They're stable, perfect for thick fabrics, but can be pricey and might affect magnetic-sensitive devices.

1.1.2 Material

Based on materials, embroidery hoops can be divided into 3 genres: wooden hoops, plastic hoops and metal hoops. Wooden hoops are made out of wood with a smooth texture. Most of hand embroiderers use wooden hoops for their lightweight and easy-to-handle characteristics. Choosing a wooden hoop requires more carefulness for they tend to crack while stitching. Plastic hoops are usually called tubular hoops, referring exclusively to frames without any magnets. This is used often in both hand embroidery and commercial machine embroidery. Most frequently used by tightening a screw attached to the outer ring, plastic hoops require users to push hard for a snug fit and allow the fabric to get an even tension. 

Metal hoops are not as common as the two kinds above. It’s absolutely available online, but to see one at a craft shop, maybe a bit of luck is needed. Anyway, compared to other types, these hoops don't have any particular advantages. But if you really prefer them, they're not inferior to other types neither and can fully meet your needs.

1.1.3 Size

The size range of embroidery hoops can be very large, and in fact, there are no restrictions. Any size of hoop can be used as long as it can be fitted into the machine. According to the information currently available, the Husqvarna Viking DESIGNER™ Regal Hoop is the largest hoop available on the market, with a size of up to 465x260mm. When used in conjunction with the Husqvarna Designer Epic 3, you can complete a pattern as large as 460x450mm. While mini hoops can be as small as 3 inches in diameter, some are not even as large as an adult's palm. They can be used for embroidering on socks, etc. Here is a table reflecting some common magnetic hoop sizes:

 

When choosing a hoop, it is necessary to analyze the specific issues and consider the requirements of the specific embroidery project. If you’re an industrial insider, we recommend that you get a complete set of size embroidery hoops. But for amateurs and hobbyists, several common in 4 x 4”, 5 x 7”, 6 x 10” might be enough. Remember, it’s important to make sure your hoop is about 1-inch larger than the design you’re stitching.

 

By the way, if you’re searching for even larger hoops, maybe you can check with Q-snap frames or quilting hoops.

1.1.4 Shape

Embroidery frames usually come in round and rectangular shapes. Round frames are popular in hand embroidery because they are good for displaying and holding the embroidery. They are also common in machine embroidery. However, rectangular frames are mainly used in machine embroidery and are connected to the machine with single or double link parts. There are also many interesting and rare shapes on the market, such as oval, heart, and drop shapes. These designs are mainly for decoration and do not affect the quality of the embroidery. The above is about the main shape of the embroidery frame. The connection parts of the frames also come in many different shapes. This is to fit different sizes of frames with different types of machines. Some connection parts are solid, and some are hollow. The hollow design is to reduce the weight and thus lower transportation costs. So, with international trade, these hollow-designed frames are becoming more common.

 

1.2 How to choose an embroidery hoop

When choosing the top embroidery hoops, take into account various elements like material, size, and shape based on your specific project needs. The most suitable is the best.

2. What are magnetic hoops?

Magnetic hoops are strong and tight magnetic embroidery hoops that can be used on almost any embroidery machine. They are designed to hold fabric securely with magnetic force, automatically adjusting to different fabric thicknesses without the need to adjust the outer ring. This feature reduces hoop burn and stress on arms and wrists. Mighty Hoops are easy to use, fast to hoop, and do not leave marks or harm the fabric. They are particularly useful for embroidering on thick fabrics like towels and are also suitable for quilting. Magnetic hoops offer ease of use, accurate hoop placement, and maintain the embroidery process without the physical demands of traditional hoops.

2.1 What’s magnetic hoop?

Magnetic hoops use strong magnets to secure fabric, ensuring even tension. They are ideal for quick changes between projects and are perfect for quilting, bulky items, delicate fabrics, and eliminating hoop marks. These hoops are also beneficial for those who want fast and easy hooping. For many embroiderers, it’s without doubt a game-changer in the embroidery world.

2.2 Category of Magnetic Hoop

There are 2 types of magnetic hoops. The first one is composed of an inner hoop and an outer hoop, which is very common and well-known by embroiderers. But the other one is very innovative and formed by one piece of hoop and multiple separate magnets. Generating a strong force, they can both clamp the fabric tightly. Their differences lie in the method of use. The first type of hoop can be closed at once and fixed with minor adjustments. The second type requires separate attachment of magnetic blocks, which is slightly less efficient, but less likely to pinch fingers and more durable.

 

2.3 Common Magnetic Hoop Brands

1. Mighty Hoop

Mighty Hoop is a seasoned embroidery hoop producer and the most prestigious magnetic hoops manufacturer since the company invent this game-changing product. Might hoop products offer strong magnetic holding power ideal for fabrics. Its design allows for quick fabric setup, making it a top choice for industrial embroidery and high-efficiency embroidery studios.

2. Dime

Dime hoops are versatile magnetic hoops compatible with multiple embroidery machine brands. They are suited for small to medium embroidery projects, easy to use, and reduce fabric wear, making them ideal for beginners and small to medium embroidery businesses.

3. Sew Tech

Sew Tech magnetic hoops are widely used with both home and industrial embroidery machines, known for their durability and ease of use. Moreover, the brand is also well-known for their affordable prices, which make it a top priority for small business owners.

 

4. Brother

Brother magnetic hoops are designed specifically for Brother machines, providing excellent fabric stability for smaller embroidery projects and standard fabrics. They often come bundled with the machines, making them user-friendly for new users.

5. Hooptech

Hooptech magnetic hoops are commonly used in commercial and industrial embroidery, especially for securing heavy fabrics and complex designs. They are sturdy and durable, suitable for long-term, intensive embroidery work, making them a popular choice for professional embroidery studios.

3. Do magnetic hoops work?

Magnetic hoops are effective for embroidery as they provide a strong and even hold on the fabric, which helps maintain consistent tension throughout the embroidery process. This reduces fabric shifting and puckering, resulting in cleaner and more precise stitches. They are generally easier and faster to set up than traditional hoops, allowing for smoother adjustments and less downtime during projects. Magnetic hoops are compatible with a variety of embroidery machines and are designed to be used in place of traditional hoops. They are also highly effective for projects that require frequent repositioning of the fabric or for materials that are sensitive to damage from traditional hoop tension. However, they may not be suitable for extremely lightweight or delicate fabrics where even the slightest weight could cause issues. Overall, magnetic hoops offer a modern solution to many of the challenges faced with traditional hoops, making them a worthwhile investment for embroiderers.

4. How do you use a magnetic hoop for embroidery?

For all brands, the method of using a magnetic embroidery hoop is quite uniform. You place the bottom hoop on a flat surface, add fabric and stabilizer, and then place the top hoop by holding it over the other part and align them together. But be careful with your fingers. The biggest drawback of the very hoop is that the strong magnet makes it pinch users’ fingers quite easily. You have to be very cautious while using it. In contraction to regular traditional hoops, there is no need to tighten the screws. A magnetic hoop allows for small adjustments after the hoop is closed. Slightly remove the fabric within the hoop to ensure the fabric is held in position and evenly distributed. And thus, the whole hooping is completed.

 

The magnetic hoop has so many benefits. It improves accuracy, simplifies the process and increases the stitching speed, and reduces the fabric shifting. Most enthusiasts falling in love with it after first trying. Anyway, all I’m trying to say is that if you’re still using the plastic frame that came with your machine and have never tried a magnetic frame, it's time to get one. If you're a hobbyist, don't hesitate—it's an experience that's definitely worth it; and if you're running a small business, it's an investment that can yield considerable returns.

SewTech Magnetic Hoops

Facing a dazzling array of products, choosing the right one can be exhausting. But you can trust us. The SewTech brand, which has been deeply involved in the embroidery frame industry for as long as 19 years, is dedicated to providing you with high-quality and durable products. Focus us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more embroidery technique. Give us a chance, and your embroidery experience will also take a quantum leap.