Framing in a hoop

Basic steps

To frame your work in a hoop:

1. Cut out a circle from the backing felt
2. Fit the cross stitch piece into the hoop and trim
3. Gather in the fabric
4. Stitch the felt backing into place

Making the backing

Separate the hoop and, using the INNER hoop as a template, trace around it onto the felt with a pencil. Cut out the felt and keep to one side.

Trimming the piece

Centre and place your cross stitch piece in the hoop (lay the piece over the inner hoop and then press the outer hoop in place). Gradually tighten the screw and pull the fabric until it is taught.

Trim the excess fabric leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch.

Gather the fabric

Thread the needle with six strands of the ‘hoop’ thread and tie a knot in one end. Using a large running stitch, sew around the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch in from the edge until you reach the start stitch. Now pull the thread to gather in the edges and secure with a knot.

Stitch in the backing

Place the felt backing onto the piece and stitch around the edges.

Come up through the gathered fabric and go down through the felt at an angle to catch the fabric on the next stitch. Finally, continue around the hoop and secure with a hidden knot.

All finished!

Now look for somewhere to display your hoop art.