Using Hoops

Jakz1269

Hello,  I love this place.  Because I get to ask everyone's opinion.  I have always used a hoop to cross stitch.  I was taught many many years ago from an aunt.

Today I went to my local cross stitch/embroidery store, and the owner told me that hoops are the worst thing for pieces. :(  She said that I should be using stretcher bars.

I have always used a hoop to cross stitch.  I was taught many many years ago from an aunt.  I have never found that it damaged my work whatsoever.  Has anybody else heard of this?

xxstitcher

I don't have issues with plastic hoops, they are still my preference.
I own a q-snap and don't prefer their weight and find it difficult to centre my work.
Stretcher bars are generally for larger projects.
Do what works for you!
I find any marks will get ironed out after washing and pressing

d3lta

Yes I have also heard this but like you have always used a hoop with no issue. I do though ensure my work is remove from the hoop once I stop working on it for the day.

gkntkforever

hi, I don't have problem with my plastic hoops. I didn't like metal or wood hoops because they don't hold tight.

sammieliz

I’m a firm believer in using what works best for you. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should do something

SMpete549

I've never had a permanent mark left from a hoop though I don't leave it on overnight.

mardy

I use hoops on small projects, q snaps on big

htsear13

Following this thread

HannaSolo

Hoops can leave permanent marks in your fabric. Yes, many years ago hoops were the norm, but since then we have learned of downfalls to using them. I use q-snaps that are much more gentler on fabric and don't leave marks. They come in various sizes and you can interchange them to make different shapes and sizes.

Stretcher bars are used for canvas work, not cross stitch. Though she may be referring to the kind that are used in a needlework stand and if that is the case they would work but a lot more trouble working with.

PudelGrl

I personally use Q-snaps and I find them much easier to use and have never had a permanent mark left in my fabric.

CraftyLouAnna

I still use hoops.  I found my large q snaps too heavy to hold so I had to balance a good part of it on a table or stand.

So, even though they don't leave marks in your fabric, they are just too heavy for me to hold.  So I'll stick  with my hoops and take the fabric out once I have finished for the day.  I wouldn't use the old metal hoops either, they do rust on your fabric if the air is damp with high humidity.

AMW

I admit I use hoops as well. Not that I haven't been checking around lately. But as LouAnna says, hoops are lighter and are easier to hold on their own, and I tend to watch TV while sitting on my sofa when I stitch. Also easier to transport, if you wnat to stitch on the train or at a lunch break, or just going away.

So while I might want a larger frame for my larger projects, I still haven't quite fugured out how it would work out practically. And I have never experienced a mark left by my hoop that didn't come out with cleaning. And I do that absolute no-no; leave my WIP in the hoop! So I wouldn't worry about it, but use what you are comfortable with. :)

Jakz1269

I agree that any mark that I have had on the piece has come out with a light cleaning.  I also leave my WIPs in the hoop.  ;P

I will continue with my tried and true method...

Thanks for replying.

Braenn

My hoop leaves marks on fabric, but leaving my work under some heavy books solves problem. My first hoop was a complete disaster - so I'm 50-50 here, it depends. I near future I'm planning to buy q-snaps. You're very convincing :D