To hoop it!

'

Tute time! yes that’s right, Last week I showed you some hooped art and I have a whole new range of patterns to show you very soon that can also be collected and displayed in their hoops! So I remembered I photographed the process, and thought I’d share it with you today…

What you need:

Obviously a hoop – yes an embroidery hoop – and there are hundreds of choices out there – but to use to frame your work just choose an inexpensive bamboo hoop. If you plan to use it to stitch the project first then this standard bamboo with a nice strong screw is a good choice.

A design to put into the hoop – ah now… no end to what you can put into a hoop… check out Pinterest here to see some ideas – or of course check here and here…

If you want to paint your hoop then you will need

craft paints and a brush..

Simply paint both the outside ring with acrylic paints – don't worry about painting the insides but do paint the edges. Stand to dry.

Now of course the design must fit into the hoop you choose. Its a bit like the chicken and the egg – what comes first… there are many sizes of hoops out there so something will work.

Place the inner ring of the hoop underneath your completed artwork.

Make sure its centred over the design. Place the painted (or plain) outer ring over the top and press down onto the ring that is underneath. you may need to loosen that screw quite a bit depending on how thick your artwork is – I used a lightweight batting stabiliser so it was quite thick. Just get it on without moving the artwork so it is still centred.

Then pull the fabric edges carefully (only if you need to) to tighten the artwork. (keeping it centred still) Now tighten that screw as best you can.

Turn the work to the back. Trim off the extra fabric around the hoop – leave about a 1” seam allowance.

Use a strong craft clear glue  (I like the Helmar’s 450 glue) and run a line around the inner edge of that inner ring. Press over the seam allowance onto the glue and leave to dry. If you wish you can glue a circle of felt over the back of your hoop to hide all of the ‘nasties’ on the back of the artwork.

I can’t wait to see some of your creations – get hooping girls!

hugs for today

Helen

'