How to frame a fall machine embroidery design using embroidery hoops.

How to make wall decorations using embroidery hoops.

At stores and craft fairs, many wall decorations use bamboo embroidery hoops for mounting the project. One trend is to use them to frame machine embroidery, hand embroidery, and cross stitch designs.

Since embroidery hoops come in different sizes and are relatively inexpensive, this is a great way to display the finished project for hanging on the wall.

Watch this video tutorial and read the photo tutorial written instructions to see how to make and finish a machine embroidery design. This same technique can also be used for hand embroidered and cross stitch projects.

These three finished projects were made using machine embroidery designs by Designs by Juju. You can use any design that will fit inside the embroidery hoop.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bamboo Embroidery Hoop
• Ribbon
• Background Fabric
• Stabilizer
• Favorite Machine Embroidery Design
• Scissor

Note: At the end of this article you will find affiliate links to supplies needed for this project. By purchasing an item through these links, we receive a small commission which allows us to continue making videos and tutorials.

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Cutting Fabric

Cut background fabric at least 2" bigger than the bamboo embroidery hoop.

Step 2: Embroider Design

Place a piece of stabilizer (cut away or tear away) in the machine embroidery hoop. Fold the background fabric in half and crease. Place the background fabric on the hoop using the crease to center it. Stitch your favorite design onto the fabric.

If your design is a machine applique design, check out our photo and video tutorial on How to Applique on an Embroidery Machine.

Step 3: How to Mount the Design On the Bamboo Hoop

Take the bamboo embroidery hoop apart by loosening the screw at the top of the hoop and separate the two hoops - the inside and outside hoops.

Place the outside hoop on the fabric and center the design. You can use a ruler to help center and adjust the hoop as necessary.

Once you have it centered or the way you want it displayed in the hoop, use a fabric pencil to trace around the outside of the hoop.

After tracing, cut away the fabric about 1/4" away from the line.

Finish the raw edge so it will not fray, by using your sewing machine to sew a zigzag or overcast stitch around the edge. If zigzagging the edge, set the zigzag stitch a little wider. On my sewing machine, I set the width at number 4. Also extended the length a little longer. When zigzagging, the left stitch will go into the fabric and the right stitch goes off the edge.

After stitching, place the design on the inside hoop, center the outside hoop with the screw clasp at the top. Slide the outside hoop down over the fabric and the inner hoop making sure the fabric is stretched as you hoop it. Tighten the screw until it is securely together.

Step 4: How to Attach the Ribbon for Hanging

Cut a piece of ribbon 15" long. Fold the ribbon in half. At the folded end, you will be making a loop.

Hold the looped ribbon behind the screw clasp with the ribbon ends hanging in front on either side of the clasp.

Wrap one of the ribbon ends around the front of the clasp and then to the back on the other side. Do the same with the other ribbon end.

Turn the project over and tie a double knot.

Cut off the excess ribbon.

The finished ribbon loop looks like the following example.

Have fun making one or more hooped embroidery projects. They can be hung in sets or alone in any room of the house to add a decorative holiday or seasonal theme. Give them as gifts to friends, teachers, family, and co-workers.

Find other Machine Embroidery projects on our site.