Understanding Hoop Sizes (Part 1): A Guide To Embroidery Hoop Sizes

This blog is for those who just got into embroidering and lack of basic knowledge of the craft. No matter you prefer doing embroidery by hand or using a computerized machine, there is one thing you can’t get rid of. And that is embroidery hoops, also known as frames. Using the hoops to keep the tension in the fabric is very vital in the embroidery process. There is no better way of doing embroidery than using this tool. Therefore, an essential guide to embroidery hoops is very helpful for newcomers. The hoops used when hand embroidering are different from the ones used when embroidering with a machine. This blog mainly talks about the second situation. Read on as we gives a detailed instructions and tips on how to choose embroidery hoop size.

1. What size do embroidery hoops come in?

1.1 Sewing area dimension & hoop length

When talking about embroidery hoop sizes, there is one thing beginners should notice. An embroidery hoop for machines actually has two sorts of sizes: One is sewing area dimension, the other is end to end hoop length (hoop arm from ear to ear). As for the hoop for hand embroidery, there is no hoop length need to be considered. Small home embroidery machines also don’t use brackets for fixation, thus the hoop length concept only belongs to the industrial and commercial-used machine area.

  Now what is the end to end hoop length?

  The end to end hoop length depicts the distance between the metal brackets. If the hoop length is longer or shorter than the distance given by the embroidery machine, it can not be fixed to the machine. So before you place the order, please confirm the hoops you want are compatible with your machine. Normally you can check the ordering page or a manual for information. Sometimes sellers would ask you to select the hoop length, and it will be placed at a prominent position on the payment page.

  If you meet difficulties searching for the accurate length data, you can check if the hoop is designed for the model of your machine, example picture below:

  Also you can contact us at info@magnetichoop.coms. We are glad to help you.

1.2 Unit: Inch VS. Millimeter

Hoop sizes are usually given in inches (“) and millimeters (mm). These are two units mostly used to describe the sewing area dimension (hereinafter referred to as "hoop size"). The measurement cannot be unified because people from different regions are familiar with different units. So sometimes you might need to remember their corresponding relationships for convenience. Check for common embroidery hoop size unit conversion table in subsection 1.3.

1.2.1 For Round Hoops:

The hoop size of a round hoop is marked in the form of “Number+Unit”, like the below picture. The size is measured straight across the middle. The data, diameter, is used to describe the embroidery area in inches, centimeters or millimeters.

1.22 For rectangular-shaped hoops:

The hoop size of a rectangle hoop is often in the form of “Number×Number+Unit”, such as 6×8 in (6×8”) and 150 x 200 mm.

  Here is some embroidery hoop sizes in inches and their siblings in millimeters:

1.3 What is the most common embroidery hoop size?

The most common embroidery hoop sizes including these sizes:

• 4×4”
• 5×7”
• 6×8”
• 6×10”
• ...

Bigger designers need bigger hoops. Most of the embroidery designs only take a small area on the fabrics. So the most useful hoops are of a relatively small size. Hoop sizes between 4 - 10 inches are the most common ones and best-sellers meanwhile.

2. How big is a large embroidery hoop?

Normally a hoop larger than 8″ x 10″ would be classified as a large embroidery hoop. Here gives some large hoop sizes:

• 8″ x 10″
• 8″ x 12″
• 8″ x 10″
• 13″ x 15″
• 14″ x 16″
• ...

Large hoops can be a great helper if you are seeking for adventures and looking forward to tackling some marvellous projects. They are great choices for embroidering giant designs such as big wall hanging and embroidered quilt cover. But they can be very heavy as well. It’s not very suitable when you are performing the skill with hand.

3. What is the largest embroidery hoop size?

With vast amount information searched, The Husqvarna Designer Epic 3 is found to be providing an industry-leading embroidery size of 460x450mm (18 ¼″ x 17 ¾”) and you can get a largest embroidery hoop of 465x260mm named DESIGNER™ Regal Hoop (?) included in the kit. This gigantic hoop is suitable for oversize projects though not many people will need a hoop of such a size.

4. What size is a medium embroidery hoop?

Measuring around six to eight inches, medium hoops are suitable for majority of the projects whether it’s performed by hand or using a machine. Stitching logos, adding funny and adorable designs, create a fabulous artwork... They are of great practical use for embroiderers from all walks of life.

5. What size is a small embroidery hoop?

Hoops ranging 3 to 5 inches are small hoops. Being lightweight easy to adjust the tension, they are the perfect starting point for rookies to start their embroidery journey. Also, simpler and smaller designs ask for smaller hoops. Practicing with a small hoop can help you master the skill quickly. Besides, small hoops are perfect for adding personalizing your garments, bags and everything made of fabrics. Making your style special and unique from others. What else, delicate fabrics such as silk and lace need to be treated with carefulness. So a easy-handle hoop is necessary and a best choice in the situation.

6. What size is a standard embroidery hoop?

There is no definition to determine which size is the standard hoop size. Embroidery hoops can be divided into multiple sizes. There is small sizes, medium sizes, large sizes, and some high-end series provide some extremely large hoops. You can select the hoops that fit with your projects.

7. What is the most popular embroidery hoop size?

What are the most popular embroidery hoop sizes?

  Among the most common hoop sizes, hoops of 4×4”, 5×5” and 5×7” are probably the most favored ones. Most embroiderers’ projects remain of small or medium size. They would love a tiny pattern attached to their garments. And a small embroidery hoop can satisfy them. Besides, beginners always make their first step using a small-sized hoop to embroider a small-sized designs. As a result, these hoops become star products.

8. What size hoop is best for embroidery?

What is the best size embroidery hoop? - It depends. There is no absolute best hoop size for embroidery. Different embroidery works ask for different hoop sizes for use. What is the best size embroidery hoop to use depends on what you want to use it for. Just mention a few affecting factors: embroidering method, project size and design complexity.

8.1 Embroidery Method

Machine embroidery can cooperate with a large variety of sizes of hoops. But if you are going to embroider with your hands, a large hoop will not be a good partner, for it will be too heavy for you to hold it. Tools should be suitable.

8.2 Project Size & Design Complexity

Firstly, project size. It's essential to consider the design you wish to sew, as larger designs may require a bigger hoop to achieve the best results. Your hoop should be larger than the project but not too large. Hoops are not too large so that there is room left for the needle and other accessories to perform the embroidery, ensuring a comfortable stitching experience without any limitations on movement. At least an inch of space around your design in the hoop is recommended. Hoops are not too large so that they can keep your fabric tight and smooth while you stitch. Thus, your thread can glide effortlessly through the fabric, allowing for precise stitches.

  Then, there’s the design complexity. If your design is detailed and full of delicate stitches, you’d better choose a large frame so the needles and presser foot can maneuver with ease. A larger embroidery hoop not only provides ample space for intricate handwork but also reduces the risk of fabric bunching, allowing for a smoother stitching experience.

9. How to know what size embroidery hoop to use?

There are several factors need to be considered:

1. The hoop size should be smaller than the max embroidery area of the machine. Because otherwise the machine won’t allow you to use the hoop on it.
2. The hoop size should be at least 1 inches larger than the design you want. Because you have to leave some space for the needles and presser foot to do their job.
3. The hoop size should not be too big compared to the embroidery patterns. About 1 to 2 inches larger than the designs is the most recommended. For the tension loosens as the hoop gets larger and resulting a bad performance of the embroidery machine.

10. What is the measurement of embroidery hoop?

The measurement of embroidery hoop can be divided into two aspects: inner hoop dimension and outer hoop dimension. Those two data can be referred as the physical size of the hoop. However, the outer size is not very important unless you are worrying about your locker cannot accommodate them. So, how do I know what size embroidery hoop I have? Hoop manufacturers usually identify their products by sizes, like 4 x 4” hoops, 5 x 7” hoops, 6 x 8” hoops. If you just want to have a vague concept, you can just have a guess. For example, a 4 x 4 hoop could measure 5.3 x 5” as with its inner size, a 5 x 7” hoop might measuring 5.12 x 7.09”. These data changes as the brands or hoop shapes change. Anyway, the hoop sizes given by seller are the most worth referring sizes. If you know what size your designs are, just purchase the hoops with the nearest size and make sure the number is identical or larger than the patterns’ size.

Embroider with Magnetic Hoop!

Still wondering what size hoop fits with your machine? Browsing our embroidery hoops and feel free to inquire about anything you’re confused with. You can also learn about more hoop knowledge through our YouTube channel, your expert for providing awesome magnetic embroidery hoops. Magnetichoop is your go-to resource to begin your business or personal hobby. Visit our pages on Tiktok to know more about our products. Let's start the stitching journey together! Leave a comment, and we can share with you more things about the technique and art.

FAQs

• How big do embroidery hoops get?

• What is the largest embroidery hoop?

• What is the largest embroidery hoop size in inches?

Embroidery hoops actually have no limitations. It can get as large as you want as long as your machine can accommodate it while sewing. The current largest embroidery hoop is DESIGNER™ Regal Hoop, which is of 465 x 260 mm. That is 18 ¼ x 10 ¼ in inches.

• What is the largest hoop size for an embroidery machine? /What is the largest hoop size for embroidery machine? /What is the largest machine embroidery hoop size?

Husqvarna Epic 3 provides a maximal embroidery size of 460 x450 mm, which is the largest machine embroidery size right now.

• What are the dimensions of a small embroidery hoop?

Normally a hoop ranging from 3 to 5 inches can be termed as small hoops.

• What are the most popular embroidery hoop sizes?

The most common medium size hoops like 4×4” hoops and 5×7” hoops can be viewed as the most popular ones.

• What are common machine embroidery hoop sizes?

• What is a common embroidery hoop size?

The most common embroidery hoop sizes including these sizes:

• 4×4”
• 5×7”
• 6×8”
• 6×10”