How to Choose an Embroidery Hoop: 6 Types Compared
A good embroidery hoop makes a real difference. When the fabric is held firmly and evenly, stitching becomes easier and the fabric is less likely to wrinkle or become loose.
I’ve tried quite a few different hoops over the years, so I thought I’d share my experience with six types I use or have used.
These are simply my personal preferences — there’s no single “best” hoop for everyone.
1. Beechwood Hoop
Beechwood is one of my favorite types of wooden hoop.
It feels solid and sturdy, with a nice weight in the hand. It’s usually more secure than bamboo, reasonably priced, and can last for years.
I think it’s an excellent choice for beginners. Choose a size that feels comfortable in your hands, and you can use it for both stitching and displaying your finished work.
2. Bamboo Hoop
Bamboo hoops are inexpensive and easy to find.
Personally, I find them less secure than beechwood. Some inexpensive ones can have small gaps between the rings, rough edges, or screws that loosen easily.
They’re fine for casual practice or if you’re just trying embroidery for the first time, but I prefer a sturdier hoop for regular stitching.
3. Flexible Plastic Hoop
These hoops have a flexible, rubber-like plastic edge and often come with attractive wood-effect details.
Good-quality ones can hold fabric well and look beautiful for displaying finished embroidery. However, the quality varies a lot. If the rings don’t fit well, it can be difficult to get the fabric evenly tight.
I prefer this type more for displaying finished pieces than for practicing.
4. Rigid Plastic Hoop
This is another one of my favorites, especially Nurge.
The rigid plastic holds the fabric firmly and evenly, and I find it very reliable for longer projects. Nurge also comes in many sizes, including large hoops for bigger designs.
It may not look as decorative as a wooden hoop, but for stitching, I find it excellent.
5. Decorative & Shaped Hoops
There are many beautiful hoops in different shapes and materials made for displaying embroidery.
I don’t usually recommend these for beginners as their main stitching hoop. Instead, I prefer to finish the embroidery first and then move it into a decorative hoop for display.
6. Hoops with a Stand
I have a hoop with a stand, but I rarely use it.
For my own stitching, I prefer to work freehand, and I find stands can sometimes feel uncomfortable after stitching for a long time.
Instead, I often use a small F-clamp to attach my hoop to my work table. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and lets me adjust the angle easily.
This is very personal, though. If a stand feels comfortable for you, it can work perfectly well.
What Size Hoop Should You Choose?
For beginners, I recommend starting with a 5–7 inch round hoop.
It’s large enough for many designs but still comfortable to hold while stitching.
For something more portable, 4–5 inches is a convenient size.
The most important thing is to look at the design first and choose a hoop that comfortably fits the area you’ll be stitching.
For larger projects, I really like the larger Nurge rigid plastic hoops. They’re a worthwhile investment if you stitch regularly.
My Favorite Hoops
After trying different types, I keep coming back to:
Beechwood hoops — sturdy, comfortable, and beautiful enough to display.
Rigid plastic hoops, especially Nurge — secure, durable, and available in many sizes.
If you’re just starting out, I’d rather recommend investing in one good-quality hoop than buying several inexpensive ones.
A hoop that holds your fabric firmly can make stitching noticeably easier — and help you enjoy the process more.
Ready to Stitch?
Once you have a good hoop and a few colors you love, you’re ready to start.
If you’re looking for a new project, you can find my hand embroidery patterns at joooyco.com. Choose a design you love, pick a comfortable hoop, and enjoy stitching it one stitch at a time.
If you have a favorite hoop, or there’s another embroidery tool you’d like me to review, feel free to leave a comment.
Happy stitching!
Joooyco Studio