It may come as a surprise, but not everyone knows how to manipulate an embroidery hoop. Shocking, right? Well, you’re going to learn, just in time for some holiday hoopla. But first…
The adjustable embroidery hoop of today was invented in 1903 by a Missouri woman named Helen A. Harmes. Previously, the contraption was called a Tambour Frame because it was used to make tambour lace. Tambour Frames of the 1700s were mostly square and meant to be attached to table tops, while others sat on the floor, all for hands-free lace making and embroidery. However, those antiquated frames and eventual hoops had to be continually taken apart to move the cloth up and down as one worked. This was a tedious process until Ms. Harmes, an avid embroiderer, invented the adjustable frame.
And now you have a burning desire to embroider or, at the very least, manipulate a hoop? Let’s just start with a basic no-sew craft and make some fanciful holiday ornaments.
Instructions and tips:
It’s called ‘a hoop’ but there are actually two hoops involved with each ‘hoop’. One is slightly bigger than the other.
And you’re done!
Of course, ornaments do not need to be restricted to Christmas and can include images like pumpkins, fall leaves, pies, Halloween images, etc. A scrap of quilted material and lace doilies make great hoop centerpieces. With a stitch or even a safety pin you can add all kinds of mementos.
So now you’ve made a hundred of these—now what? There’s always the unthinkable: gifting them to your neighbors and friends. Or for a more thoughtful idea, why not spend some time with a child or elderly person making some of these ornaments? It’s a rewarding, easy-to-do craft that they will love.
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