It’s time to get crafty with these autumn cross stitch patterns (including free ones!). Pick your favourite and get making today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
