Embroidery hoops are very popular among avid sewers. If embroidery is your craft, you will be using hoops with your every project. Embroidery hoops are made of wood and plastic. They have arms that are connected to the hoops and this connection is done by rubber rings or springs to protect it from breaking during use. Embroidery hoops have wide and narrow sizes. When the hoops are wider, they will allow more fabric to stitch. If you have different frames with various widths and different lengths, you can use different sizes of hoops for them as well.
But are embroidery hoops reusable? Hoops will give your craft a taut and firm look. It will also save your hands from accidents, such as sudden needle pinches to the fingers, etc. Hoops are not very expensive; you will get a variety of hoops in the market. Before you choose your hoop, it is important to know, if you could use them another time. Before you choose for what purposes you have been using your hoops, make sure your hoops are in good condition. In this article, we discussed the details of embroidery hoops, their uses and if it is possible to reuse an embroidery hoop, and its other purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Depending on the condition of the hoop they are reusable for various purposes to add an aesthetic touch.
- You can take note of the different usage along with the alternatives that serve the same purpose.
- To ensure the longevity of the reused embroidery hoops there are some aftercare tips to maintain.
Are Embroidery Hoops Reusable?
Yes, embroidery hoops can be reused. If your embroidery hoop is capped with a screw, it cannot be used again. These hoops are made with wood and metal and they can be capped again for secure use. You can use your old hoops as a frame for your projects. If you are sewing a design and if you have a small fabric, use your old hoop for this project. Large metal hoops can be reused if they are not damaged or cracked. Wood embroidery hoops can be damaged easily, but they can be refurbished to reuse again. Some embroidery hoops are made of polyester or polypropylene which can cause any fabric to rip, when this happens to you, dispose of the fabric. Embroidery hoops should be used as a sewing guide to keep your fabric tight while you attach your craft to it. Make sure the arms of the hoops do not get twisted and bent.
14 Uses of Old Embroidery Hoops
Embroidery hoops can be used for various purposes which are given below:
- Photo Frame: Embroidery hoops can be used as photo frames. Instead of purchasing a photo frame, frame your projects on the embroidery hoop.
- Sewing Aid: Do straight stitching on the side of the fabric keeping one side open, then flip the design and continue to sew on the new side. This will create a seam that will last longer.
- Wall Hanging: Use your embroidery hoops for wall hanging. Select a strong hoop that will not fall when the artwork is hung. You can also use hoops when you paint, stencil, or ink on your fabric. while ironing your fabric, you can use hoops.
- Towel Holder: To hold towels on a rack, use embroidery hoops. If you have a long towel, use a larger hoop. When you do not want to fold up and use your towels as a display, this is a convenient way.
- Substitute of A Hanger: If you run out of your hanger, use your hoops to hang your clothes in a closet. The most common use is hanging scarves on hoops.
- Butterfly Net: If you have small butterflies or other insects, take your hoops, flip them upside down, then take a net and place them to the bottom of it. You can use it in your home or yard area to capture insects.
- Christmas Decorations: Use your hoop to decorate your Christmas tree. You can decorate them with paper or other small items which will add a unique look to your tree.
- Wreaths: Take your hoops to make wreaths. You will need several sizes of hoops and wooden beads to make a wreath. Start by layering your hoops and inserting your beads into them. The inner hoop will be visible when you hang it on the wall.
- Cardboard Stand: Use your hoop as a divider, for this, you need a stand. Placing hoops over a stand at an angle will save you from tipping over your items.
- The Door Organizers: Attach your hoops with plastic hooks and use them as door organizers.
- Hanging Planter: Buy a planter of the same diameter size as your hoops. Place your seedlings on the planter. Tie a rope or crochet fabric on the arm of the hoop, and place a hook on top of it to hang your plants.
- Plumbing Hardware: If you have leaky faucets or water pipes use your hoops as gaskets or o-rings to fix the plumbing malfunction.
- Pincushions: When you run out of space, use your old hoops with a fabric placed by their arms or on top of it, to use them as pincushions to store your needles.
- Organizers: Use your hoops for organizing your room. Use them as fabric organizers, wall organizers, drawer organizers, wall organizers, etc.
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3 Alternatives of Embroidery Hoops
You may need some alternatives if you do not have embroidery hoops. Below we have given 3 alternatives for embroidery hoops.
1. Embroidery Tape
You can use embroidery tape when you don’t have an embroidery hoop. Use tape at the back of your quilt, for that, you need several layers of tape. Using tape is not as secure as using hoops.
2. Hand Sewing
Hand sewing has been used to hold the fabric in place and to secure it with a seam. As you start your embroidery work, sew the inner edge of your fabric and two strips of clear tape.
3. Pins
Use sewing pins as a substitute for embroidery hoops. Take needles or pins, then secure them with clear packaging tape. This kind of sewing may need additional support, as they do not hold the sewing in place.
3 Tips to Take Care of Embroidery Hoops
You can give your hoops some care. Below we will discuss 3 tips to take care of your hoops.
1. Clean Your Hoops
Clean any dust or lint with a damp cloth after using your hoops. To clean the edges of the hoops, use a toothbrush. Dry them completely. If you are using hoops regularly, wipe them right after you stop using them.
2. Avoid Heat
Check your hoops regularly to see if they are dry. Do not keep them in direct sunlight as they can cause discoloration and damage to the hoops. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. If you want to use cleaner, use mild soap and wash them thoroughly with water.
3. Avoid Overuse
Do not overuse embroidery hoops. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Find a place where they are safe from any kind of damage. If your hoops are warped or damaged, throw them away.
FAQs
What to do with the embroidery hoop when done?
Why do you use embroidery hoops?
Which cloth is used for embroidery hoops?
What is the difference between embroidery hoops and frames?
Can you put embroidery hoops over stitches?
Final Thoughts
As we have discussed throughout this article, embroidery hoops can be used over and over again before they face any damage. There are different kinds of hoops in the market, you can use one within your priority. Before you are done with your sewing, be careful, to find a secure place for your hoops, as needles and threads may be attached to them. If arms are warped, use a new hoop to get a more polished stitch. Clean and wipe them regularly for longer use.
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