How to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch
The hoop holds the fabric taut so every stitch pulls to the same tension.
Which hoop
A 6 or 7-inch wooden or plastic hoop suits most charts. It does not need to hold the whole design: you move it as you go. Bind the inner ring with cotton tape if the fabric slips, and tighten the screw with a small screwdriver rather than fingers.
Getting it tight
Lay the fabric over the inner ring, press the outer ring down, then work round the edge pulling the fabric and tightening the screw a little at a time. It should sound like a drum when tapped. Re-tighten whenever it slackens.
Take it out between sessions
A hoop left on overnight creases the fabric and can leave a ring that is hard to remove, especially on dark aida. Loosen it when you stop. A hoop mark across stitched work usually washes out; one pressed into the fabric for a week may not.
Stitching in hand
Plenty of people stitch without a hoop, holding the aida loosely in hand. Aida is stiff enough to allow it. Tension is harder to keep even, so it suits experienced stitchers more than a first project.
