Skip to content
EmbsupplyStitch it yourself. Heirloom-style.

Embroidery · Absolute beginner · 5 min read

Choosing your first hoop: wood, size, tension

A hoop too small constrains the motif. Too large and the fabric sags. Beech, bamboo or plastic — here's how to choose and why.

By Iona MacRae · Embsupply, head of craft Updated 2026-04-22

Choosing your first hoop: wood, size, tension

Your first hoop should be smaller than you think. A 5- or 6-inch hoop is right for almost every first project.

Size

The motif should fit comfortably inside the hoop with a margin of fabric around it. If you have to move the hoop mid-stitch, the design is too big.

Material

Smooth beech is the most pleasant in the hand. Bamboo is lighter but can splinter. Avoid plastic for serious work — the screw never tightens consistently.

Tension

The fabric in a properly-tensioned hoop sounds like a drum when tapped.

Found this useful? Pair the read with one of our kits — every kit page lists the relevant guides under the gallery.

Continue reading

Your first stitch: how to thread, knot and startFoundations

Absolute beginner · 6 min read · Updated 2026-04-22

Your first stitch: how to thread, knot and start

Before any pattern, three small habits — threading the needle, the back-knot, and where to bring the needle up — decide whether the next two hours are calm or frustrating.

The nine stitches every beginner should learn firstEmbroidery

Beginner · 11 min read · Updated 2026-04-22

The nine stitches every beginner should learn first

Nine stitches — running, back, stem, satin, split, chain, French knot, lazy daisy, blanket — cover most of what beginner embroidery needs. Here's each one in two paragraphs.

Visible mending: how to repair on purposeMending

Beginner · 9 min read · Updated 2026-04-22

Visible mending: how to repair on purpose

Sashiko grids, contrast threads and woven darning turn a hole in a knee or elbow into the best detail on the garment. Here is the philosophy and the four basic techniques.