Large or Small Hoop Embroidery Machines | Which One is Right for You
Table Of Content
- Understanding Machine Embroidery Hoop Sizes
- Everything You Need to Know About Large and Small Hoops
- Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Size
- Common Embroidery Hoop Sizes
- Why Small Hoops are Good?
- Why Large Hoops are Good?
- What Most People Choose?
- What Size is Best if You are Beginner?
- Summary
At first it looks easy to pick between a large machine embroidery hoop and a small one but once you start stitching, you see that the hoop size is not right for your design. It changes how big your design can be, how fast you work, how you set the fabric in the hoop and even how your day goes when you embroider.
Thousands of embroidery lovers who are interested in embroidery want to know which size is best for them, especially if they want to get better at their hobby or maybe start selling a few things. You just want a machine that lets you make the designs you like, fits in your room and does not make every project feel hard.
This blog will show you how small hoops and large hoops work and help you decide what you really need. So let's start.
Understanding Machine Embroidery Hoop Sizes
Embroidery hoops are available in many sizes and each size gives you a different area where the machine can sew. When you buy a machine, you have to use the hoop sizes that machine allows. Some machines only take a few sizes and some machines let you use many different ones. A hoop is not just a plastic frame. It holds the fabric very well so the stitches come out right without mistake. When you know the hoop sizes your machine can use, you can plan your designs better.
Everything You Need to Know About Large and Small Hoops
So simple, small hoops are perfect for little things like names, monograms, patches and small designs. As well as large hoops are great when you want to sew big designs on jackets back, quilt squares, long sentences or colorful designs that have to stay in the same spot the whole time. Many people who embroider for a living have both small and large hoops but most people who are just starting then pick a small hoop first because it is easier to hold and control.
The size of the hoop changes how the stitches look, how steady the fabric stays and how nice the finished piece turns out. If you are facing issues with fabric stretching, wrinkles or the design moving to the wrong place, the hoop size will definitely be the reason.
Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Size
When you try to decide you want a large hoop machine or a small one, keep in mind these things.
First, what kind of designs do you make most of the time? If you mostly sew small designs for chest,sleeve designs, patches or initials, a small hoop is perfect for you but if you like to sew jacket backs, big bags, large designs or big design orders, a large hoop is the best.
Second, how big are the things you sew on? Small hoops are good for baby clothes, hats, pockets, chest and sleeves designs. Large hoops make it easier to work on blankets, sweatshirts, quilts, jackets and so on.
Third, think about your precious time. With a large hoop you usually have to take the fabric out and put it back in the hoop fewer times. If you sew a long saying or a big design, you can finish it in one hooping and that saves a lot of time. With small hoops you have to move the fabric more times when the design is bigger than the hoop.
Fourth, a hoop that fits the design keeps everything aligned. When you use a large hoop for small designs, the fabric moves more inside the space.
Lastly, think about the space in your room and most importantly, how much money you want to spend. Machines with large hoops are usually pricey and definitely require more space. If your embroidery area is small or you don't have more money, a machine with small hoops is easy so start with it.
Common Embroidery Hoop Sizes
Below is a simple table for you to understand the most common hoop sizes many embroiderers use.
Most machines have hoops that are close to these sizes, even if the exact numbers are a little different from one brand to another. A 4 by 4 inch hoop is good for very small designs like names, monograms and so on. A 5 by 7 inch hoop works for medium designs like logos on the chest and towels. A 6 by 10 inch hoop is nice for tote bags and sweatshirts. 8 by 12 inch or 9 by 14 inch hoop lets you do jackets back and really big artwork.
Why Small Hoops are Good?
Small hoops, 4 by 4 inch or 5 by 7 inch are good for those who are in a learning phase. The fabric stays tight and does not move much. They are perfect when you sew small logos, names, badges, children’s clothes, napkins, or pocket designs. Small hoops are also easier when you sew on stretchy knit fabric because the small area keeps the fabric from stretching and getting wrinkles. You finish small projects quickly and you use less stabilizer and thread because the sewing area is not big.
Why Large Hoops are Good?
Large hoops let you sew big detailed designs without stopping to move the fabric. If you want to create a large design on the back of a jacket or make some colorful large designs then everything sticks in the same place from start to finish so the design aligns perfectly.
Large hoops are also helpful when you need to make many of the same small things. You can add many small items in one big hoop and sew them all at the same time very easily. People who sell embroidered items love this because it saves a lot of time every day.
What Most People Choose?
People who follow their passion and do embroidery just for fun, start with a small hoop because it is simple and doesn't need extra stabilizers. When they get better and want to try bigger projects, they start looking for machines with larger hoops. Lately a lot of people like machines that can use at least a 5 by 7 or 6 by 10 hoop because those sizes work for small and big projects. People who embroider to make money usually keep several different hoop sizes so they can pick the best one for each project.
What Size is Best if You are Beginner?
If you are thinking of starting a new journey in the world of embroidery, we suggest starting with a small hoop like 4 by 4 inch or 5 by 7 inch because they are easy to hold, the fabric stays and you can learn how to put stabilizer on and hoop correctly. When you are satisfied and want to try bigger designs, you can add a larger hoop later.
Summary
Lastly, pick a large hoop machine or a small one, depending on what you like to sew, how big your design is and how much space and money you have. Small hoops are perfect if you mostly do little steady designs. Large hoops give you room for big designs and help you work faster on large orders.
If you ever have trouble hooping fabric or your designs do not allign correctly, you do not have to fix everything by yourself. Digitizing USA makes clean and accurate embroidery designs. Our prices are simple flat rates and most files are ready within 2 to 6 hours. Even complicated designs are usually done in less than 12 hours. We make files that sew smoothly and look nice then no matter what size hoop you use. If you want designs that fit your hoop perfectly and stitch without problems, contact Digitizing USA today and let us help with your next project.
