All You Need To Know About Quilting Hoops And 9 Hoops To Try

When you want to hand stitch a quilt, a quilting hoop is an essential tool. 

It transforms what would be a cumbersome task into a creative pleasure where you can see the results emerge before your eyes. 

This simple device holds your quilt while you sew the layers together. 

Quilting hoops for hand quilting come in a variety of sizes.

You hold some in your lap while others come with stands. 

What Is a Quilting Hoop?

Two thin bands of wood or plastic fit together. One is slightly smaller than the other to clamp fabric between the bottom inner hoop and the top outer hoop.

A bolt with a wing nut on the outer hoop's side adjusts the grip of the quilting ring. 

The hoop keeps the fabric held within it flat and stable. The slight resistance created by the fabric's tension helps you follow your design and poke a needle through with minimal effort

What Is the Difference Between a Quilting Hoop and an Embroidery Hoop?

When comparing quilting hoops to embroidery hoops, the depth of the hoops represents the primary difference. 

A quilting hoop needs a depth of 3/4 inch to 1 inch. This depth allows the hoop to hold larger and heavier quilt fabric layers

An embroidery hoop will only have a depth of about 1/2 inch. 

A quilting hoop will also have slightly rounded edges, which allows it to accommodate the thick layers of a quilt. 

An embroidery hoop will have straight edges meant to grip a single layer of fabric. 

How Do You Use a Quilting Hoop?

The process for using a quilting hoop is simple and will feel comfortable. Position one hand on top of the hoop and push the needle through to the bottom. 

Your other hand will receive the needle underneath and push it back through to the top to form a stitch. Resting the hoop along your forearm for the hand working from underneath works for most people. 

If you're working on a quilting hoop with a stand, then you sit in front of it with one hand on top and the other hand underneath. 

Once you finish stitching within the area held by the hoop, you loosen the wingnut until the bottom hoop releases. 

Shift the top hoop over a new area and insert the bottom hoop to hold it in place. Tighten the wing nut and resume sewing. 

Find Your Quilting Hoop: 9 Excellent Choices

1. Dritz 3201 No-Slip Quilting Hoop

This product provides an excellent starting point when you want to learn how to use a hoop. 

The price is low, and the small 10-inch size makes it good for small projects, especially mending damaged areas of old quilts. The hoop won't require much storage space should you wish to travel with it.

The hoops are designed with a grooved interlocking system that ensures a tight hold of fabric. The 4-inch bolt and wing nut provide a wide adjustable range for working with thick or thin fabrics. The hoop holds fabric firmly and with high tension. 

 Pros:

  • Tight fabric tension
  • Plastic material does not snag fabric
  • Securely holds multiple fabric layers
  • Long, adjustable bolt

 Cons:

  • Not good if you want loose tension on the fabric

2. Dritz 3203 No-Slip Quilting Hoop

The 14-inch diameter makes this hoop a good size when you need more workspace but don't want an enormous hoop. 

The smooth plastic material prevents the possibility of snagging the fabric. The interlocking design of the interior and outer hoop creates a tight hold on fabric. 

You can adjust fabric tension and open and close the hoops to shift fabric with relative ease. 

 Pros:

  • Suitable for working on large quilts
  • Fabric does not slip
  • Easy to adjust

 Cons:

  • Not everyone wants a plastic hoop

3. Universal Clip Frame Set

This 18-inch diameter wooden hoop appeals to those who like products made from natural materials. 

The wide diameter can let you position most quilting blocks within the hoop for hand stitching of your design. Take care when tightening the hoop because the wood could crack. 

 Pros:

  • Large size 
  • Natural wood 
  • Able to hold bulky fabric layers

 Cons:

  • Wood will crack if over tightened

4. F. A. Edmunds 14″ Quilting Hoop

Smooth beechwood hoops eliminate all worries about fabric snags. Brass hardware holds the 15/16-inch deep rings together. 

The 14-inch diameter forms a somewhat small working space, but you won't have to reach far to stitch either. 

 Pros:

  • Smooth, natural wood construction
  • Clamps multiple fabric layers securely
  • Comfortable size for detailed stitching

 Cons:

  • Wood vulnerable to breaking

5. Tuli-Hoops 14” Quilting Hoop

5. Tuli-Hoops 14” Quilting Hoop

Here is a unique, handmade quilting hoop attached to a base, making this an excellent choice for lap quilting. Instead of trying to hold the hoop up while quilting, you can set the base of the hoop on your lap and use both hands to quilt. 

The hoop measures 14”, an ideal size for hand quilting. It also comes in several different colors that you can choose from. 

This would make a wonderful gift for someone that loves to hand quilt or embroidery for hours at a time.

Pros:

  • Large 14” hoop
  • Allows you to use both hands while quilting
  • Ergonomic design

Cons:

  • It might take some getting used to

6. Square Quilting Hoop

6. Square Quilting Hoop

Here is a beautiful, square-shaped quilting hoop made from beech wood. This hoop comes in four sizes: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm. 

The hoop has an adjustable screw and wing nut, making switching out your work area quick and easy. The hoop itself is about 1” high and ½” thick. 

This high-quality wooden quilting hoop will last for years if you don’t over-tighten the screw.

Pros:

  • Comes in four sizes
  • Made from sturdy beech wood
  • Easy to adjust

Cons:

  • Shipping can take over a month

7. Frank A. Edmunds 5595W Hoop

This unique rectangular quilting hoop is a fantastic choice if you are hand quilting an all-over quilt design. The hoop measures 16” x 27”, which is massive and made from solid hardwood. It is sturdy and will hold your quilt in place while you create your beautiful hand-quilting designs. 

Pros

  • Large workspace
  • Holds work tight for even stitching
  • Great price for such a large hoop

Cons

  • Potentially too large, depending on your quilt project.

8. Frank A. Edmunds 18” Hoop

Frank A. Edmunds hoops are made from high-quality beechwood that will last for years. This is their 18” hoop that is best for larger quilting designs. The hoop weighs almost 9 ounces, so it is lightweight enough to hold in your lap for hours without any wrist discomfort. 

The solid wood hoop is smooth, so you don’t need to worry about the wood snagging your fabric or messing up your stitches. 

Pros

  • Large workspace
  • Smooth, snag-free design
  • Made from solid, high-quality wood

Cons

  • A bit pricey

9. Caydo 12” Bamboo Hoop

Here is a smooth bamboo hoop that works excellently with quilting cotton. Since the hoop is only ½” wide, I would not recommend using this hoop with high-loft batting. The thick layers probably wouldn’t fit well in the hoop. 

This hoop has a 12” diameter and will be great when you are making detailed stitches on quilt blocks. It is also very lightweight because it is made from natural bamboo instead of hardwood. 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Great price
  • Smooth finish for snap-free stitching

Cons

  • Not ideal for thicker quilt projects

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Create Hand-Sewn Quilts in Comfort

Hand quilting gets you away from the sewing machine so that you can lounge in your favorite chair. Quilt in a cozy living room all winter and take the hoop out on the porch in the nice weather. 

When picking out a hoop, your main concerns will be durability and size. Extreme tightening of the wing nut could crack any material, but usually, the products with higher prices provide greater durability. 

To choose the most comfortable size for you, measure from your elbow to your palm. That measurement indicates how far you can reach comfortably across a work area. 

Hand stitching your quilt projects would require a quilting hoop. Check our review  of the 7 of the best quilting hoops in the market today.

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