Embroidery · Intermediate · 7 min read
Three finishing methods — gathered, felt-backed, laced — for displaying hoops on a wall.
By Iona MacRae · Embsupply, head of craft Updated 2026-04-22
A finished hoop hides the raw fabric edge. Three methods, in order of finish quality.
Run a long gathering stitch around the excess fabric, pull tight, knot. The quickest method.
Glue a felt circle onto the back. Hides the gathered fabric and gives a clean wall-side surface.
Lace the gathered fabric across the back with strong thread, in a star pattern. The most secure — recommended for hoops you intend to keep for decades.
Found this useful? Pair the read with one of our kits — every kit page lists the relevant guides under the gallery.
FoundationsAbsolute beginner · 6 min read · Updated 2026-04-22
Before any pattern, three small habits — threading the needle, the back-knot, and where to bring the needle up — decide whether the next two hours are calm or frustrating.
EmbroideryBeginner · 11 min read · Updated 2026-04-22
Nine stitches — running, back, stem, satin, split, chain, French knot, lazy daisy, blanket — cover most of what beginner embroidery needs. Here's each one in two paragraphs.
MendingBeginner · 9 min read · Updated 2026-04-22
Sashiko grids, contrast threads and woven darning turn a hole in a knee or elbow into the best detail on the garment. Here is the philosophy and the four basic techniques.