How to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch

If you're new to cross stitch, discover how to use an embroidery stitch for even tension and neater stitches

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Zoe Williams

Published: November 5, 2021 at 10:00 am

Are you new to cross stitching or looking for ways to improve the neatness and ease of your cross stitching experience? In this how to use an embroidery hoop article, we'll show you how this simple and inexpensive accessory can make your stitching experience much more relaxing and make your cross stitching much more professional looking too! Find more advice on good ways to improve your cross stitching in our cross stitch tips article, and advice for new cross stitchers in our cross stitch for beginners article.

How to use an embroidery hoop has benefits beyond cross stitching too. It is a great choice not only for any kind of hand embroidery but also works well for free-motion machine embroidery applique. If embroidery is your thing, take a look at our embroidery for beginners guide, which has more advice on how to use an embroidery hoop within the embroidery craft. We've also reviewed our choice of the best embroidery hoops, tapestry frames and stands to invest in as well, so head over to those if you are looking for advice on what to buy.

Read on to discover how to use an embroidery hoop and make the most of an easy win with an inexpensive accessory!

You will need:

Embroidery hoop
Basic embroidery kit

Step 1

Stretch your fabric taut over a hoop as you stitch. Using a hoop will help you to avoid making stitches that either pucker the fabric or hang too loose. With a nice flat surface to work on, it’s much easier to make stitches that cover the fabric neatly. Hoops come in many sizes, so you should be able to find one to fit whatever size of project you are working on. They are available in most needlecraft shops.

How to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch

Step 2

Use the ‘stab’ method rather than the ‘sewing’ method as you stitch. This means that you should complete each part of the cross stitch in a separate motion, instead of running the needle through two holes together in the same movement. The sewing method may seem quicker, but it is more likely to make your stitches uneven.

How to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch step 2

Step 3

Think about the way you pull your thread each time you make a stitch. Do you pull it so tightly that the thread puckers the fabric? Or perhaps you tend to over-compensate and leave too much slack in your stitches? Always pull your threads firmly but not too tightly, and be aware of your technique throughout the course of the project.

How to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch step 3

We hope you’ve found this How to use an embroidery hoop article useful. Have you tried our free cross stitch patterns and free embroidery designs? Try our lavender cross stitch patterns for special cards, or our all occasion cross stitch cards. Don’t miss Durene Jones cross stitch fox pattern and these bees cross stitch patterns or cute cross stitch patterns for cards.

Launch Editor, Gathered.how

Zoe launched Gathered.how as editor in 2019. A keen crafter, quilter and sewist, she has worked with the UK’s best-selling craft magazines – from Today’s Quilter to Love Patchwork & Quilting, Simply Sewing and The World of Cross Stitching. With over a decade of craft publishing experience under her belt, she loves crafting with her kids and curling up on the sofa with a spot of hand patchwork. Zoe has previously written for radiotimes.com, Simply Knitting and The World of Cross Stitching and was previously Deputy Editor of Papercraft inspirations magazine. She has guest-lectured at Bath Spa University. She’s a keen quilter with 5 projects in progress at any one time and another 12 or so planned. Specialist skills include hand modelling for YouTube craft tutorials and fabric foraging (she has an inbuilt radar for local haberdasheries and community craft gatherings).