Hoop size
Could you please advise me on what size hoop to order for this project? Thank you
Posted by: cherylannphilo on 06/24/16
I would probably use an 8" hoop and move it to complete. Bigger hoops make it harder to keep your fabric taught. This is a very detailed, several months of work, design. It is 16"x16". Buy whichever hoop you prefer. Remember that you need to add 6" to the heighth and to the width for framer...you need a piece of 14 count fabric that is 22"x22".
by: Su Pitt on 06/24/16
Hi Cheryl - I agree with Su but I have found working on these bigger more detailed projects that the size I use needs to match the size of my hands. By that I mean - I have small hands so to use a bigger hoop really tires my hands quickly and sometimes causes cramps. So I think it is basically whatever size fits your hands easily. Hope this makes sense. Have a great w/end and this Santa project looks like a lot of fun to work on. I have it in my stash - I guess it is easier to name what I don't have in my stash than what I have in my stash as it grows by leaps and bounds. Take care.
cheryl
by: clpatt123 on 06/24/16
Use a hoop ur comfortable with. It depends on how big the design is.
by: sumerdawn on 06/24/16
I use a metal and plastic 7 inch tension hoop for everything I stitch. I have used this type of hoop for 30 years because it feels comfortable in my hands when I stitch. Like the others said whatever is comfortable in your hands is the type of hoop that you should use. Everyone is different. That is what is nice. There are no set rules.
by: syagel on 06/24/16
I had been taught by my mom how to handle the material without getting to use the hoop at all.
Just start and lay down your fabric on your left hand side index finger and hold the rest of the fabric underneath of your left hand with the rest of the finger that all then with the right hand use the threading needle with the floss color that U intend to use and start from there to do your cross stitch.
Have fun.
by: miss crossstitc on 06/24/16
syagel, is the hoop you use still on the market? If so, what brand is it and who sells it? My fabric begins to sag in the center after a short time of stitching when I use a hoop. What do you do when beading?
by: Texas Stitcher on 06/25/16
Texas, Yes that hoop is still available. I got mine at JoAnn Fabrics. I bought several of them several years ago, but saw them still there a few months ago. If not there they sell them on Amazon and several other places on the web. The brand that I have is Darice, but there are other brands also.

What I love about them is that they do hold the fabric very tight for me. It is the only type of hoop I will use. I tried others many years ago when I started stitching and threw the all away. I really didn't like the Q-Snap hoop I tried. Just didn't hold the fabric for me like I like it.

Hope this helps.
by: syagel on 06/26/16
Sometimes I use a hoop, sometimes not. It depends on the size of the project and the stiffness of the fabric I'm going to use.

As many of the others have said, when I do use one, I use the one that I've discovered over time is the most comfortable for me. There are about a zillion different types and sizes. Experiment until you find one that you're comfortable with.
by: quilterangel123 on 06/26/16