18 Quilting Hoops: Reviews and Tips for Choosing the Right Size of Quilting Hoops for Your Project

Everything You Need to Know About 18″ Quilting Hoops

If you’ve searched for “18 quilting hoop”, chances are you have questions about using an 18-inch hoop for your quilting projects. As a long-time quilter, I’ve used many different sized hoops over the years and have learned a few things along the way. In this article, I’ll cover the most common intentions and questions users have when considering an 18″ hoop.

What Projects is an 18″ Hoop Best For?

1. Small to medium sized quilts – An 18″ hoop is perfect for quilts between 40-80 inches in width. It provides enough room to quilt without the quilt being too bunched up or tight in the hoop.
2. Baby quilts – Most baby quilts fit nicely within an 18″ diameter, making it easy to quilt smaller designs.
3. quilt blocks – Individual quilt blocks, panels, or small quilt tops can easily be hooped for quilting details.
4. Wall quilts and table runners – These smaller projects don’t require a large quilt hoop.

From my experience, most lap quilts, wall hangings, and baby quilts are suitable projects for an 18″ hoop. You’ll have room to quilt without the fabric being too scrunched. Larger bed quilts may prove challenging unless done in sections.

Is an 18″ Hoop Suitable for Free Motion Quilting?

A 18″ hoop is absolutely suitable for most free motion quilting projects! The key is to make sure your quilt or project fits comfortably within the hoop diameter. You don’t want the fabric bunched up too tightly. When free motion quilting, you need sufficient slack fabric for your quilting machine or frame to move freely. An 18″ hoop provides a decent workspace for practicing free motion stitching on small designs. Just be aware you may need to re-hoop larger projects for coverage.

What Type of Frame is Best for an 18″ Hoop?

There are a few popular frame options that work well with an 18″ quilting hoop:

Acrylic or Plastic Hoop Frames:
Inexpensive and lightweight frames that clamp an acrylic or plastic ring around the fabric-filled hoop. Easy to maneuver but may flex more than metal frames. I find them suitable for occasional quilting.

Tabletop Metal Frames:
A basic multi-purpose frame that clamps to most tables using a C-clamp style attachment. Provides a stable surface for quilting without taking up much space. Great for beginners.

Free Standing Floor Frames:
Larger and more heavy-duty than tabletop frames, allowing free motion quilting while standing. Many have extendable bars for using multiple sized hoops. More investment but very versatile long term.

In summary, any light to mid-weight frame will pair well with an 18″ hoop. Avoid very lightweight frames that flex too much for large stitching projects.

How Do I Choose the Right 18″ Quilting Hoop?

When purchasing an 18″ quilting hoop, consider material, thickness, and extras:

– Material: Plastic hoops are cheaper but may bend or break over time. Aluminum hoops provide sturdiness at a mid-range price. Top-of-the-line hoops use heavier steel for years of use.

– Thickness: Thinner hoops flex more making large quilting difficult. 1/4″ or thicker walls provide better support for stitching intricate designs.

– Extras: Look for packaged kits including a clamp, frame adapter or accessories. Bonus ruler markings on interior make perfect points a breeze. Some include storage cases too.

Don’t forget to check reviews – a higher quality hoop may save headaches long term. In the end, any well-made 18″ quilting hoop will work; it depends on your budget and needs. I’d avoid the cheapest no-name brands personally.

Any Tips for Using an 18″ Hoop Effectively?

Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years:

– Hoop your fabric taut but not overly tight – you want slack for stitching motion.

– Use masking tape on the underside of fabric at the hoop edge to prevent downward slides when stitching heavily.

– Mark fabric with water soluble marker inside hoop for quilting design lines.

– For large designs, rehoop only the center portion and tape outer edges down on your work surface for continuous quilting.

– Rotate your work 90 degrees periodically to prevent shoulder/wrist fatigue.

– Consider using an Add-A-Quarter or Add-A-Half hoop insert to expand your workspace for bigger designs.

– Store hoops flat and protect sharp edges to maintain condition between projects.

With some practice, an 18″ hoop can be quilted to its full potential. Take time to find the best techniques for your style. Listen to your body and don’t push through pain or fatigue.

I hope this detailed overview has helped address any questions or intentions someone might have when considering an 18″ quilting hoop! Let me know if any other topics come to mind. Happy quilting!

Choosing the Right Quilting Hoop for Your Project

FAQ

1. What size quilting hoop should I get?

   Basically, 18 inch quilting hoops are sort of a standard size that many people use. They allow you to quilt areas that are roughly 18 by 18 inches. Nevertheless, some quilters like to use multiple smaller hoops or one large hoop for their projects. It depends on your personal inclinations and the size of your quilts.

2. How much does an 18 inch quilting hoop cost?

   18 inch quilting hoops can be had at a wide range of costs. At the same time, affordable basic metal hoops may go for around $15-$20. However, if you want fancy enclosed plastic or wood hoops, those could set you back $30-$50. There are also super deluxe models that may approach $100. But is spending a lot necessary for your first hoop? Maybe a simple hoop will suit your needs.

3. What material is best for an 18 inch quilting hoop?

   Most quilters say that wood or plastic enclosed hoops are the best for 18 inches. They hold the quilt beautifully taut without slipping or losing tension like bare metal hoops sometimes do. On the flip side, metal hoops are lighter and more portable. Perhaps the amazing E-Z Glide fabric-covered expandable hoops are the ultimate – they’re sort of a crossover hit. However, for beginning quilters, a basic adjustable metal hoop is probably fine.

4. How do you use an 18 inch quilting hoop?

   Basically, you place the ring of the hoop on your quilt top and secure the outer ring. Then tighten as needed to get the fabric looking super smooth without wrinkles. Going forward, you’ll roll the hoop as you sew your quilt patterns in sections. It kind of keeps everything orderly and allows you to see your lines clearly. You may have to refresh the tension now and then. Does this help explain hoop usage? Let me know if you have any other questions!

   

5. What size pieces can you quilt in an 18 inch hoop?

   With an 18 inch hoop, you’ll be able to quilt pieces that are roughly 18 inches or under on each side. So squares, rectangles, or triangles up to about 18 inches work well. Circles may be a bit smaller depending on their diameter. You can also do portions of larger blocks or sections of a overall quilt top. Maybe try draping different shaped fabric scraps in your hoop to test sizes. Does this help give you an idea what will fit?

6. Can you quilt a whole quilt top with an 18 inch hoop?

   It would be kind of a challenge, but not impossible, to quilt an entire quilt top using only an 18 inch hoop. You’d have to quilt it in small sections. First, you’d divide the quilt into a grid with 18 inch or smaller pieces. Then you’d complete one square or rectangle at a time, repositioning the hoop as needed. It might take a lot longer versus using a larger quilting area. But some quilters seem to enjoy the process. Perhaps give it a try if you’re curious! Just be prepared for the commitment.