Small problem with hoop

Braenn

Hi, I've got a small question. I didn't find similar topic, so I'm starting a new one.
I use a hoop, but it's annoying me. I flex fabric until it's surface is like a drum (I hope it's a good technique), but after I make some stitches - the fabric is not taut nearly at all. Is it my fault or my hoop is rubbish? Or maybe I'm not doing it right. Any ideas?
Sorry for any mistakes - English isn't my native language.

mgrurbbg

I have found that if you want a larger hoop (I used to stitch on a 12" or 14" hoop), it has to be a really wide hoop --like an inch or more to grab the fabric enough to keep it taut. I eventually oved over to scroll frames (Millennium and Omanik frames) to get that drum-tight surface.  I also like things to be REALLY tight to stitch!

d3lta

I agree with xxstitcher a plastic hoop does keep the tension but only in the smaller sizes. If you require a larger hoop above 8-inches I find using a wooden quilt hoop does the trick.

Flirti

I hate hoops - so I don´t use them... instead of my QSnap, which is awesome to work with! You can adjust your fabric as you like, so it´s always neat as possible.

xxstitcher

I prefer a plastic hoop over a wooden one. If yours is wooden, you may want to bind it to help with your tension problem.

Guaranita

following this thread

htsear13

Following this thread

manolimu

Nunca uso aro.

medillon61

LOL I have been fighting the same issue and it makes me crazy.  To be honest right now I am using a wooden hoop because it is the biggest hoop I have and I was able to fit my entire project in it without having to move the hoop around and get marks in the fabric.  I am finding that the hoop I am using keeps coming loose no matter how much I tighten it.  So after a bit I have to pull the project tight again and re-tighten the little thingy on the top of the hoop.  When I use the plastic hoops that the metal goes inside the ring of plastic the project stays tight.  So in my experience its all about the hoop and the next time I am out and about at the craft store I am investing in the plastic hoops that the metal piece goes inside of the ring in the larger sizes.  

lovestitches

The professional embroiderers in my country wrap strips of fabric around the outer and inner hoops, which is supposed to hold the fabric tighter and less damages on the stitches that the hoops will go over. I don't use hoops so I can't verify that. Hope you have luck with it.

Braenn

Thanks for answers :) Mine hoop is wooden too. Now I'm going to search for plastic one :loveliness:

Mary.Jane

I find that the Q Snap frames hold the fabric tighter than hoops do :)

Braenn

Unfortunately Q Snap isn't very popular in my country and I have no slightest idea where I can find one :(

LilyMaid

123Stitch have Q Shaps and heaps of other items, its an internet shop with excellent prices and service:
123stitch.com/cgi-perl/abcSearch/search.cgi

Braenn

Yep, it's nice, but shipping to Poland isn't  cheap. For this price I could buy loom for stitching.

ryouko

It might be the quality of the hoop. I've never had issues with mine holding tension, if I got the fabric on correctly. I've always used plastic hoops as that was what was available in my local shops.

slaho330

I have a nice plastic spring one that i got from Joann's.  I reallly like it at it never pulls stitches when putting fabric in it.  cheap too!