Embroidery Hoops and Frames
Many people who start out with embroidery as a hobby will spend a lot of time looking for all the equipment they might need. An embroidery hoop or frame is not actually an essential item of equipment although it will help you tremendously with your embroidery.
The Embroidery Hoop
The embroidery hoop is normally made from two separate pieces, one hoop over which you place the fabric, and a second hoop which you place on top of the fabric to secure it in place. The top hoop also as a little nut, which is tightened to ensure the fabric stays in place. These embroidery hoops come in many different sizes from tiny ones for items of embroidery that are intended for use with cards, to very large ones for large embroidery projects such as a cushion cover or wall hanging. Today, embroidery hoops are made from a range of materials, however the most common being plastic and wood. Depending on the type of wood use, the price for these embroidery hoops can vary dramatically.
The ideal of the embroidery hoop, is that is tightens the fabric that you are using, to enable easy embroidery. Often you dont need a large hoop to cover the entire project, you can use a smaller one and move the hoop around to the area in which you need to use it, as embroidery hoops are very easy to step up.
The down side with most embroidery hoops is that they are not free standing, however you can purchase stands for them from some hobby shops, although these may not be ideal. Try to purchase a stand by the manufacturer or your hoop.
Serious embroiderers may also be put off but the movement of the fabric, often this is due to the action of the needle going through the fabric. This can use prevented by winding bias binding around the inner embroidery hoop.
The Embroidery Frame
The embroidery frame is normally made up from two pieces of round wood help together at the sides by two square pieces of wood to make a square or rectangular frame. Each of these round pieces of wood normally has a small piece of fabric attached, the idea is that the embroidery fabric can be sewn on at each end to the two pieces of wood and then it can be wound until tight. The disadvantage with the embroidery frame is that you can only work on a piece of embroidery the same size or smaller than the frame, you will need to purchase a larger frame if you are undertaking a larger piece of embroidery.
However one of the biggest benefits of using the embroidery frame over the embroidery hoop is the ability to see most, if not all of the area you are working on; where as with the embroidery hoop you are required to take the hoop off to get a overall view of the work completed. The embroidery frame will also keep your work flat (all be it, rolled around the wood), where as the embroidery hoop will cause raised areas to appear on the fabric while you are working on it, although these can be ironed out after the embroidery project is completed.
Most embroidery frames can also be purchased with a compatible stand. The stands available have a much wider range than those for the embroidery hoop. You can find stands that are free standing, attach to a table, attach to your chair or are even designed to fit over your lap.
So, which type should you choose? Its a very hard decision, and therefore you should base it on the type of embroidery you are completing. A work of tapestry or other woollen embroidery will fit very happily over the embroidery frame; however it would be near impossible to fit it over an embroidery hoop. Whereas a delicate piece of Cross-stitch or Blackwork embroidery on a handkerchief would look swamped on an embroidery frame. So choose your aid according to the size of the completed project or based on the thickness of the wools and fabrics.
Written by Laura Marsh. For more useful information on different types of embroidery visit http://www.simplyblackwork.com
To Frame Or Not To Frame, That Is The Question
While many needlepoint books and resources insist that the use of a frame is not necessary for most projects, I am unable to ...
Working With Embroidery Kits
Embroidery is an incredibly rewarding hobby, but for the complete beginner it can be very daunting to understand where to sta...
Bernina Embroidery Machines - Creating Works Of Art In A Matter Of Minutes
In the early days of embroidery, finishing a project would take a very long time because of the meticulous nature of the craf...
Brazilian Embroidery - Breaking The Boundaries Of Traditional Needlework
Things that originate from Brazil usually denote something that is lively or vibrant and can easily capture peoples attention...
Selling Completed Embroidery Projects
Embroidery is a fantastic hobby, for many people it is incredibly soothing. However, after many years of embroidery as a hobb...
Machine Embroidery Digitizing - What You’ll Need Besides the Software
You've purchased an embroidery machine, practiced the designs that were included in the package, maybe even bought a disc of ...
PE-Design Embroidery Digitizing Software: Getting Started
This article is in response to the emails I receive from my website asking for my thoughts on PE-Design. If you are consideri...
Embroidery Designs Sewing
Denim is a twill weave and runs diagonally and any diagonal weave is difficult to control, whether you are attempting constru...
Fun with Foamies
If you haven't been to the craft store in a while, or even taken a quick visit through the craft section of your super center...
Technique of Watercolor Painting: WC09 FRAMING
Framing watercolor pictures is now a huge widespread industry.As education has been made available to children of all ages dr...
Online Dating - 2 Signs Your Relationship May Be Serious
Determining whether any relationship is serious is scary and thought provoking. However, trying to determine if your online r...
Weeding through 100 Free Online Dating Sites
There are some good reasons to choose a free online dating site for your adult dating online services. Pay sites expect a com...
Holiday Wine Glass Coasters
Just in time for the holiday season!SUPPLIES:# assorted holiday fabrics - this means anything from cotton prints to silk or v...
Helpful Hints For Choosing Online Prescription Glasses
Firstly it is very important to have a current prescription. This means that your eyes must have been tested within the prev...
Plenty of Fish - Free Online Dating Review
Plenty of fish free online dating is a dating site (with origins in Canada), that breaks all traditional rules. Why?Simply b...
10 Steps To Regaining Control In The Work Place
1 - Organize & Prioritize:Its wise to arrange your schedule in a priority order. Getting the most difficult and time consumin...
For Shame!
They were not at all ashamed, nor could they blush . (Jeremiah 6:15 Amplified OT).I think we have finally and forever fulfill...
A Wealth of Kid Hobby Ideas
Every young person needs a hobby. An interesting kid hobby will help children learn as well as keep them entertained for hou...
Communication: The Relationship between Information Sender and Receiver
For communication to take place, a message must be transmitted by a communicator and correctly received by a listener. If the...
Celtic Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns - Designs & Instructions
Making of knots is the primary reason as to why Celtic cross stitch designs have become so famous and renowned when Christmas...