Embroidery is a relaxing hobby that only requires a few items to start; an embroidery hoop, fabric, thread, and a needle. Getting the right embroidery hoop will make your craft project more comfortable and leisurely, so we have rounded up the best embroidery hoops and stands for hours of fun.
So firstly, what is a hoop? An embroidery hoop gives you a flat and immovable surface, so the fabric you are stitching on threads into it effortlessly, either by hand or with the help of an embroidery machine.
Why use an embroidery hoop?
If you are thinking, why are embroidery hoops necessary? Then the main reason is it prevents your hand from getting too tired. Stitching without a hoop requires a lot of effort as you have to fiddle with the fabric and stretch it the right way while you're stitching.
So with that in mind, let's take a look at the best embroidery hoops and stands so you can start making beautiful creations.
Best embroidery hoops UK
Best overall embroidery hoops
www.johnlewis.com
This set of two embroidery hoops is perfect for displaying your embroidery and needle-craft artwork. It's been crafted from sturdy wood and will keep your cross-stitch or tapestry embroidery in place. Other sets are available, such as 12cm hoops, 15cm, 17cm, 20cm, and triangle, square and oval hoop frames.
Pros: High quality and good variety.
Cons: Nothing to mention.
Review: "Perfect hoops for small cross stitch projects. Well made!"
Best plastic embroidery hoops on a budget
This set of four plastic embroidery hoops in various sizes, 7cm, 12cm, 17cm and 22cm, are adjustable and come in bright colours.
Pros: Set of four and affordable.
Cons: Plastic is not as durable as wood hoops.
Review: "Excellent hoops. Good quality. Easy to adjust & tighten. Hold fabric really well. Good buy, I will buy again."
Best embroidery hoop and starter kit
These embroidery hoops are made from bamboo and are durable, lightweight, and ideal for gripping and tightening the fabric. The set comes with 50 different bright rainbow colours threads made of safe premium polyester material and seven embroidery hoops (4 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 11 inches, and 12 inches).
Pros: Complete set to get started
Cons: Embroidery hoops are not super durable, so great for starting out.
Review: "I bought these embroidery kits for my little girl; she learned embroidery at the school before and really enjoyed it. This kit included everything you need for a starter. She is over the moon; I can't wait to start it! Actually, the threads are very nice and colourful, with lots of colour choices and embroidery needles well packed very safely."
Best embroidery hoops with a choice of sizes
www.etsy.com
These bamboo embroidery rings come in various sizes and sets. You can choose from: 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 12.5 inches, 13 inches, 15 3/4 inches and 18 inches.
Pros: Good selection and price.
Cons: Bamboo is not the most robust material.
Review: "Lovely embroidery hoops that are amazing for both working with and displaying projects. Absolutely perfect!"
If you are looking for a basic set that includes four different sizes of embroidery frame: 13, 16, 18 and 20cm hoops. Plus, 16 embroidery needles.
Pros: Sturdy, good selection and reasonable price.
Cons: Some reviews say that the edges are rough.
Review: "I liked that the set has various sizes to be used for various pieces. They are easy to use and feel quite sturdy. I liked that I got a set of Embroidery needles and think overall, they are great value and have made embroidering easier for me. The only thing I would say is the bamboo had some small splinters, which tugged on the material at first. I sanded them down slightly, and they have been fine since then. Arrived very quickly with no damage."
Best embroidery hoop stands
Best embroidery set with hoops and stand
www.johnlewis.com
If you are looking for a set that contains frames and a stand, this is a good choice. This seat frame includes 15, 20 and 25cm hoops for embroidery. The frame features adjustable heat and angle for maximum comfort and leaves your hands free to work on your canvas.
Pros: Set comes with a hoop and stand
Cons: Best used on a lap and not on a flat surface.
Review: "The embroidery hoop and leg stand provides a great hands-free work platform and enables a comfortable working position."
Best flexible embrodiery hoop seat stand
www.etsy.com
This embroidery hoop stand from Hawthorne Handmade is excellent if you prefer to sit and stitch in a chair. You can tuck the wooden stand under your legs and adjust the height and angle of the embroidery hoop to suit your stitching position. This highly flexible seat stand holds any embroidery hoop and tapestry frame up to 12 inches. Just clamp your own hoop into the stand, and you're good to go.
Pros: Flexible and tucks under legs for sitting down.
Cons: Hoop not included
Review: "I am obsessed with my new hoop stand!! This is game-changing for me. I like to rotate between sitting and standing up when I embroider, so the fact that this is adjustable height wise is what motivated me to buy it. Shipping was super fast and arrived without damage. I am so happy with my purchase."
Best embroidery hoop stand with an adjustable lap stand
You don't need to comprise comfort for creativity. This embroidery stand is suitable for a universal hoop within 11 inches in diameter. The rotated embroidery hoop stand is made of natural beech wood, which is sturdy and durable. Plus, the embroidery holder has a splint so that you can clip a drawing to the drawing board for reference.
Pros: Adjustable and good for sitting.
Cons: Hoops are not included, and clamps are not the strongest
Review: "I absolutely love this now. I may not put the hoop in it all the time. I mainly use it when I have to do faffy stitches, i.e. daisy, French knot etc. All in all, a great buy for anyone who likes a bit of crafting."
Best embroidery hoop floor stand
www.johnlewis.com
This embroidery stand from Elbesee is ideal for embroidery, quilting hoops and rotating easy clip frames up to 18 or 24 inches. If you prefer to work on the floor or have your hoop elevated, this posilock frame will leave your hands free to work. It is also adjustable and has non-slip locking joints.
Pros: Adjustable and high quality
Cons: Some reviews say it is tricky to assemble.
Review: "I bought this embroidery stand as I wanted a floor standing stand rather than a seat version. This stand is fantastic. It didn't take at all long to set up, and the posilock system is brilliant. No sagging at all despite a heavy hoop and heavy linen twill. This is the first stand I have used, and I wouldn't look back. My sewing technique has improved hugely, being able to use both hands."
Related: 21 of the best gifts for crafters
Embroidery hoop FAQs
What are the embroidery hoop types?
You can find embroidery hoops in many shapes. There are circular hoops, elliptical/oval hoops, square hoops, rectangle, and triangle hoops. The first and the most common type of embroidery hoops are the round and elliptical ones. These types of hoops are traditional and are very convenient because they are used to hold the fabric equally tight from all sides.
There are also round wooden hoops with a stand. These hoops consist of an adjustable stand on top of which a round wooden hoop is attached that can be rotated at a 360-degree angle. Such types of hoops are very comfortable since you get a fixed working place.
Is a wooden embroidery hoop better than a plastic hoop?
Wooden embroidery hoops are primarily used for hand embroidery, whereas plastic ones are used for machine embroidery. Both are durable, however, the wooden embroidery hoops are more sustainable.
How to use an embroidery hoop?
Using an embroidery hoop isn’t as intricate as doing embroidery. You just need to glide in the fabric on the smaller hoop and tighten the larger hoop on top of the fabric. Embroidery hoops consist of two rings, one larger and the other smaller. Just slide the fabric on the smaller hoop and tighten the larger hoop on top of the fabric and the smaller hoops. Use the screws on the bigger ring to tighten it further. This process will make the fabric tight for convenient embroidering. Here is a video if you are looking for a beginner's guide to embroidery.