Choose the hoop size
A round hoop holds a rectangle only if the rectangle’s diagonal fits inside it. Work it out like this:
- Stitched size: stitches across ÷ fabric count, and stitches down ÷ fabric count. A 50 × 50 design on 14-count is 3.6 × 3.6 inches.
- Diagonal: for a square, multiply the side by 1.41; for any rectangle, use √(width² + height²). Here that is 5.05 inches.
- Add breathing room: about an inch, so roughly half an inch of fabric shows at the corners. That makes 6 inches, give or take a fraction.
- Pick the next standard size up: hoops commonly come in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 inches.
Here is the same rule worked out for common design sizes:
| Design (stitches) | Size on 14-count | Hoop, 14-count | Hoop, 16-count | Hoop, 18-count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 30 | 2.1 × 2.1 in | 4 in | 4 in | 4 in |
| 40 × 40 | 2.9 × 2.9 in | 5 in | 5 in | 5 in |
| 50 × 50 | 3.6 × 3.6 in | 6 in | 6 in | 5 in |
| 60 × 60 | 4.3 × 4.3 in | 7 in | 7 in | 6 in |
| 80 × 60 | 5.7 × 4.3 in | 9 in | 8 in | 7 in |
| 80 × 80 | 5.7 × 5.7 in | 9 in | 8 in | 8 in |
| 100 × 100 | 7.1 × 7.1 in | 12 in | 10 in | 9 in |
| 120 × 160 | 8.6 × 11.4 in | frame it | 14 in | 14 in |
The fabric size calculator gives the stitched size for any count. For larger designs, or anything you want under glass, see framing cross stitch.
Which hoop do our patterns need?
Most small motifs, which are what people usually hoop, sit comfortably in a 4 to 6-inch hoop. If you are stitching a gift to hoop, choosing a pattern from that range keeps the finishing simple.
What you need
- A display hoop (wood, bamboo or plastic) of the right size
- Felt or stiff card for the back
- Strong thread and a needle, or fabric glue
- Sharp scissors, ideally pinking shears for Aida, which frays
- Optional: ribbon or twine for hanging, paint or stain for the hoop
Step 1: wash and press
If the piece is marked or creased, wash it gently in cold water with a mild non-biological detergent and let it dry until just damp. Press it face down between towels with a warm iron, never hot, so the stitches stay raised. Our guide to washing and pressing has the details. Make sure it is completely dry before hooping.
Step 2: centre and tighten
- Loosen the hoop screw and separate the rings.
- Lay the fabric face up over the inner ring, with the design centred. Use the Aida grid to check that rows run straight.
- Press the outer ring down over the fabric, with the screw at the top centre of the design.
- Tighten the screw a little, then gently pull the fabric edges all round until it is drum-tight and the grid is straight. Tighten fully.
If the weave bows, loosen the screw and ease the fabric in the direction it needs to go. A straight grid matters more on hoops than frames, because the ring frames the design closely.
Step 3: trim, gather and back
- 1 Trim Cut the fabric in a circle about 2.5–3 cm (an inch) beyond the hoop.
- 2 Gather Run a strong thread round the edge, pull it up so the fabric folds onto the back, and knot.
- 3 Cover Sew or glue a felt circle the size of the inner ring over the gathers.
Trim: cut the fabric in a circle about an inch (2.5–3 cm) beyond the hoop; some stitchers trim closer, to about half an inch, which makes the gathers flatter. Gathering stitch (reversible): with strong thread, sew a running stitch round the fabric about half an inch (1–1.5 cm) from the edge. Pull it tight so the fabric folds onto the back of the inner ring, and knot it.
Glue (permanent): run a thin line of fabric glue along the inside of the inner ring and fold the trimmed fabric onto it, pressing as you go. Or trim close to the ring and glue only the edge. Hot glue works too but is hard to undo.
Felt backing: draw round the inner ring on the felt and cut just inside the line, so the circle sits within the outer ring. Whip stitch or blanket stitch it to the gathered fabric, catching a few threads of fabric with each stitch, or glue it over the back. A backing hides the reverse, keeps dust out and makes the piece feel finished. For a gift, sign and date the felt, or add a small label with the pattern name.
Step 4: hang it
Tie a loop of ribbon or twine through the screw at the top, or hang the hoop directly on a small nail. For a gallery wall, mix hoop sizes and keep the gaps between them even. Keep hoops out of direct sun, which fades thread over years.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Fabric loosens after a few weeks | Tighten the screw again and add a gathering stitch, which holds the tension from behind |
| Design sits off-centre | Loosen, re-centre using the middle of the design and the screw position, and re-tighten |
| Rows of Aida look wavy | Ease the fabric straight before the final tightening; pull from the opposite edge to the bow |
| Lumpy gathers show through | Trim the excess closer before gathering, or add a card circle under the felt |
| Old hoop marks on the fabric | Wash and press; a light spray of water and another press usually lifts them |
Other finishing ideas
- Frames: mount the fabric over acid-free board, lacing it across the back, and frame it with a spacer so the glass does not touch the stitches. See framing cross stitch.
- Cushions and pincushions: sew the stitched piece onto a cushion front, or fill a small square with stuffing.
- Cards: use a card with a pre-cut window aperture.
- Ornaments: back small pieces with felt and add a loop; the pattern library has many small motifs that suit them.