Embroidery hoop or frame?
Depends on what you want to do and where you want to do it! There are lots of options out there - let's narrow some down...
A hoop is great for mobility. You can take one anywhere. I've found that the best hoops are wooden ones, with brass hardware that can be adjusted with a screwdriver. NOT the poorly-constructed hoops you find in the quilting section at sewing stores, though! Look for "Hardwick Manor" hoops (made in Germany of quality wood). They come in three thicknesses, and many sizes. I ordered mine through The Twining Thread, a great online shop with really good service. It isn't a "discount shop," but you'll find some really nice stuff there if you browse.
If you're just beginning to embroider, and aren't sure you want to make the investment in the more expensive accessories, start with a Susan Bates brand plastic hoop. You can order them from Joann's, or you can pick them up at your favorite fabric / craft store.
If you're working on something exceptionally fine - especially on any kind of expensive silk fabric or delicate fabrics that you aren't planning to wash - and you don't want hoop marks, you'll have to set your work up in a frame that can accommodate it. K's Creations make nice frames and stands. But the stand I love best I bought from Lacis You have to order the stand (adjustable floor stand) and the frame separate, but it's well worth the price.
So, to answer the question, I prefer hoops for the everyday stuff that I can easily move around. I prefer frames - scroll or "slate" frames - for the fine work that I don't want affected by hoop marks, and that I know I can't wash and iron.
A hoop is great for mobility. You can take one anywhere. I've found that the best hoops are wooden ones, with brass hardware that can be adjusted with a screwdriver. NOT the poorly-constructed hoops you find in the quilting section at sewing stores, though! Look for "Hardwick Manor" hoops (made in Germany of quality wood). They come in three thicknesses, and many sizes. I ordered mine through The Twining Thread, a great online shop with really good service. It isn't a "discount shop," but you'll find some really nice stuff there if you browse.
If you're just beginning to embroider, and aren't sure you want to make the investment in the more expensive accessories, start with a Susan Bates brand plastic hoop. You can order them from Joann's, or you can pick them up at your favorite fabric / craft store.
If you're working on something exceptionally fine - especially on any kind of expensive silk fabric or delicate fabrics that you aren't planning to wash - and you don't want hoop marks, you'll have to set your work up in a frame that can accommodate it. K's Creations make nice frames and stands. But the stand I love best I bought from Lacis You have to order the stand (adjustable floor stand) and the frame separate, but it's well worth the price.
So, to answer the question, I prefer hoops for the everyday stuff that I can easily move around. I prefer frames - scroll or "slate" frames - for the fine work that I don't want affected by hoop marks, and that I know I can't wash and iron.
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, June 16, 2006
PermaLink | 1 comments | Click to Comment
Share this
1 Comments:
I want to second Mary's comments about Hardwicke Manor hoops. I have every version of these hoops that I've been able to find.
I have found them to be absolutely the best hoops for everything from surface embroidery to stumpwork to goldwork. I especially like my 6" and 8" 3/8" thick hoops (thick hoops are wonderful). I don't even wrap the inner hoop (I know you're supposed to, but I don't :-) because I can make my projects drum tight with a screwdriver.
Earlier this year out of curiosity I bought a couple of Elbesee hoops from a British site because they appeared to be similar to Hardwickes and were quite a bit less expensive. I would not recommend the Elbesee hoops unless you have no other option. Although they are adequate, they are neither as sturdy nor as finished as Hardwicke hoops. I had to run steel wool over the Elbesee hoops in order to smooth them out.
Post a Comment
<< Home