Embroidery is a form of needlework.
An embroidery loop is a very simple tool that is used to hold your fabric while you complete needlework. It's no more than two circles of thin, flexible wood. One circle slides inside the other and they fit somewhat snugly together. The larger circle is secured together by a small, metal fastener. Though these are mass produced and can be purchased at many craft stores, making your own can be a fun project and can make your work more personal. This is something that almost any craft enthusiast can do.
Instructions
1. Trim two pieces from the wood strip of the same thickness, between 1/8 and 1/4 inch; rings with a large circumference require thicker strips for strength. The lengths of the wood depend on the circumference that you wish to make your hoop. The outer ring is slightly larger than the other; cut the strip about 3/8 to 1/2 inch longer. The embroidery hoop fastener, which you will attach later, allows you to adjust the rings for the various thicknesses of the fabrics you will be using, so the material thickness does not have to be factored into the strip lengths. When the two rings are placed together, they should fit snugly together.
2. Soak the trimmed wood strips in warm water overnight or apply steam to each strip. This softens the wood and makes it pliable. Dry wood could break and splinter.
3. Bend each strip into a circle while the wood is still moist. Connect the two ends of the smaller circle with instant bonding glue. Place a dab of glue on each end. Press together the two ends, and hold them together for several seconds to allow the glue and wood to bond. Secure each end of the larger loop to one end of the fastener with instant bonding glue. Place a dab of glue on the underside of each end of the fastener. Press the underside of the fastener on to the outer side of the circle's ends. The screw portion of the fastener should face outward. Tighten the screw on the fastener to bring together the ends of the circle.
4. Allow the circles to dry thoroughly before using them on a project. Place each circle on a flat surface to dry for several hours. This allows the wood to become hard again and solidify its circular shape.
