I used to LOVE working on my hoops but got so tired of not being able to get the stitches to look right again after having to tighten down on part of my design. How do you all do that? It seems smart to wrap the hoops to minimize damage to the stitches and tighten the work. Sounds like a good idea.
I find the bigger the hoop, the more difficult to keep the tension. Generally I like to use the smaller 6" hoop and I dont have to tighten it very often (if ever). But the 8" hoop is a different story! I have to tighten it every strand almost. It is annoying but I like the consistency.
I may try a Q Snap the next time I place an order online. They didnt have them at the store the last time I was there.
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.
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.
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!
chekccard