When it comes to embroidery, everyone finds their own way to work on a project with some trial and error of different methods and techniques. After searching for what techniques others use when it comes to machine embroidery, we discovered that there are two standard methods used by embroiderers. The methods that we want to explore are “hooping” and “not hooping”.

Hooping

When you “hoop” a project you attach a stabilizer to the fabric (or “skin”) and then place both materials between the inner and outer parts of the hoop. This allows for the material to be tightly fitted between the two parts of the hoop and helps to keep the material in place. This is a very common way to embroider any project as seen here in Deborah Jones’ tutorial, which shows step-by-step instructions.

Not Hooping

The other method we want to explore is “not hooping” your project, sometimes called “floating” the item. To use this method you would place only an adhesive stabilizer between the hoops. Determine the placement of the embroidery and mark the placement with a piece of painter’s tape or similar sticker. Remove the backing from the adhesive stabilizer and stick the Embroider Buddy® skin to the stabilizer. Remove the marking tape. Lightly spray a piece of water-soluble topping and place over the embroidery area. After embroidery is complete, pull away the water-soluble topping.

Either way you choose, once you have your material in place, you’re ready to embroider. After your embroidery is done, you’ll need to trim the stabilizer to complete your Embroider Buddy® and find it a loving home.