Everything You Need to Know About 18 Inch Embroidery Hoops
An 18 inch embroidery hoop is one of the most popular sizes for avid embroiderers. If you’re interested in purchasing an 18 inch hoop or are new to embroidery, this comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions.
What is an Embroidery Hoop?
An embroidery hoop, also called a tambour hoop, is a tool used to hold your fabric taut while embroidering. It consists of two interlocking hoops – an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop is placed face down on your fabric and the outer hoop is placed on top to create tension, similar to a drum.
This tension is crucial for keeping your fabric smooth and wrinkle-free as you stitch. Without a hoop, the fabric would pucker up as you push the needle through multiple times. So in essence, the hoop acts like a frame to display your piece while also keeping it taut for neat, even stitches.
Why is 18 Inches a Popular Size?
The 18 inch hoop is versatile enough to work on many projects, both in terms of the size of the embroidery area and the types of fabrics it can handle. Here are some of the main advantages of an 18 inch hoop:
- It provides a large enough work area (over 250 square inches) for detailed embroidery without being too cumbersome.
- Most fabrics like cotton, linen, and light denim can be easily hooped without additional stabilizer.
- It’s large enough for household items like pillowcases, dishtowels, and burp cloths but not too large for clothing pieces.
- Medium-sized projects like sampler designs, wall hangings, and tote bags are a perfect fit.
In summary, the 18 inch hoop size is very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of embroidery techniques and projects. It’s big enough without being too big, making it a wise choice for beginners and experienced embroiderers alike.
What to Look For In an 18 Inch Embroidery Hoop
When shopping for an 18 inch embroidery hoop, there are a few key factors to consider:
Material
Hoops are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal. Wood offers a traditional look but may warp over time. Plastic is lightweight and affordable but less durable. Metal is the most heavy-duty option, resisting warping and denting.
Tightness
The inner hoop should stay securely in place but still spin freely when tension is applied. Look for hoops with adjustable tightness using screw clamps or wing nuts.
Comfort
Larger hoops may dig into your wrist after long periods of stitching. Consider ergonomic designs with padded grips or arms.
Extras
Some hoops come with additional accessories like needle minders, storage cases, additional sizes, or replacement parts which provide extra value.
Price
Quality hoops can range from $10-$30. Consider your budget and expected usage when choosing materials.
How to Use an 18 Inch Embroidery Hoop
Mastering the hooping technique is an essential embroidery skill:
- Lay your fabric right side up inside the inner hoop, smoothing any wrinkles.
- Place the outer hoop on top and gently tighten until taut.
- Stitch close to the fabric’s edge for a border or in the center of the hoop.
- Periodically retighten the hoop as the fabric relaxes while stitching.
- Remove fabric by loosening the outer hoop and slipping inner hoop out.
For thicker fabrics, use a cutaway or tearaway stabilizer underneath for additional support and easy removal after stitching.
Common Projects for an 18 Inch Hoop
Now that you know all about 18 inch hoops, here are some inspiring project ideas to get you started:
- Cross-stitch samplers with eye-catching floral or alphabet patterns
- Monogrammed pillowcases or dishtowels as gifts
- Appliquéd Christmas ornaments for the holidays
- Embroidered quotes or bible verses for wall décor
- Name tapestries to welcome new babies
- Pet portraits showing your furry friends’ personalities
- Hardanger embroidery bringing delicate textures to linens
The possibilities are endless – embrace your creativity and have fun learning new embroidery techniques!
Real-Life Example: My Favorite Project
While all types of embroidery are enjoyable, one project stands out from my experience using an 18 inch hoop. I decided to stitch a tea towel depicting a bountiful harvest scene bursting with fruits, vegetables, and floral motifs.
By sectioning off the design into quadrants and staging my threads and floss, I was able to make steady progress without becoming overwhelmed by the level of detail. Periodically tightening the hoop also helped me maintain even tension. After several weeks of stitching during TV time, I gift my Harvest Tea Towel to friends as a reminder of nature’s abundance.
Though a larger commitment than a simple cross-stitch square, breaking it into manageable parts and having the right sized hoop made it a very rewarding experience. Sometimes the most beautiful pieces result from chipping away a little at a time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some additional common questions:
Q: How do I store my 18 inch hoop?
A: Lay the hoop flat on its side in a zippered embroidery case or standing vertically on its outer ring in an embroidery hoop rack.
Q: Can I use a 18 inch hoop for a smaller project?
A: Yes, just leave extra fabric hanging out beneath the inner hoop. Secure edges with tape if desired.
Q: Will an 18 inch hoop fit my sewing machine?
A: Most standard machines can accommodate hoops up to 12×12 inches. For larger designs, remove fabric from the hoop and finish stitching by hand.
Q: What’s the best way to clean a wooden hoop?
A: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely. Adding a few drops of lemon oil helps condition the wood and prevent warping.
I hope this detailed guide has answered all your questions about 18 inch embroidery hoops! Let me know if any other topics come to mind. Best of luck with your embroidery adventures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an 18 Inch Embroidery Hoop
| Hoop Type | Stitches per Inch | Project Size |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | 14-16 | Small to medium |
| Wood | 14-16 | Medium to large |
| Acrylic | 16-18 | Small to large |
| Magnetic | 14-16 | Any size |
| Stable Clamp | 14-16 | Medium to large |
FAQ
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What size embroidery hoop do I need for a 18 inch design?
Generally, an 18 inch embroidery hoop will be sufficient. In some cases a larger size like 20 inches might be better, depending basically on the design’s complexity.
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How much fabric do I need for an 18 inch design?
You’ll need sort of close to a square of fabric for an 18 inch design. So around 20 inches wide by 20 inches long should allow enough room with some margins. At the same time, practice makes perfect, so you may use up more fabric at first.
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Can I use an 18 inch hoop for smaller designs?
Yes, an 18 inch hoop can definitely be used for designs that are under 18 inches. This gives you extra room to work which can be beneficial, especially for intricate parts. The bigger hoop also helps keep the fabric tighter which prevents puckering. Nevertheless, a smaller hoop could work too if you want to conserve fabric.
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How do I know what size hoop to use?
As a general rule, select a hoop size that is 1-2 inches bigger than your largest design element. So for an 18 inch design, an 18 inch hoop would be a good choice. If in doubt, go bigger rather than smaller – a larger hoop makes embroidery a lot easier on bigger pieces. On the other hand, too big of a hoop can make working on tiny details difficult.
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Can an 18 inch hoop be used for tote bags?
Possibly. It depends on the size of the tote bag. An 18 inch hoop may work for some smaller sized totes. However, tote bags tend to be on the larger size – closer to 20 inches or more. For large tote bags, you’d be better off with a 20+ inch hoop. Always measure the bag first before selecting a hoop size.
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What’s the best way to stabilize fabric in an 18 inch hoop?
Stabilizer is amazing at keeping fabric from puckering or stretching under the stress of embroidery. For an 18 inch hoop, water soluble stabilizer or cutaway stabilizer are usually the best options. Tearaway stabilizers can work too, but require more effort to remove afterwards. Some sewers swear by fusible web for hooping large pieces. So in summary – cutaway or water soluble seem to be crowd favorites for 18 inch hoop embroidery projects.
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Any disadvantages to an 18 inch hoop?
While 18 inch hoops allow working on big pieces, they may not be best for every project. For some itty-bitty elements, having an entire 18 inches of excess fabric can just get in the way. Maybe try a smaller hoop? Also, large hoops can sometimes feel awkwardly big. And stabilizing and hooping huge swaths of fabric gets overwhelming. Does your back start hurting after hours of leaning over such a large area? Are there smaller print sizes available? So in summary – for tiny details a compact hoop wins, but 18 inches rules for full coverage designs.