Embroidery Hoops?

[Lord Libidan]

Hey y'all!

I was wondering if anyone who uses a hoop could help me out. I don't normally use a hoop, but in the past (and on my current project) I've had some movement of the fabric, which distorts the image...
So, will using one help that? And, I hear you have to take them out when you're not using them, so do I keep it in for the whole pattern making, or do I take it out each time I pick it up?

Thanks

EDIT: THANKS EVERYONE, I'VE BEEN USING ONE FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, AND IT IS MUCH BETTER

[blackmageheart]

I mostly stitch in the hand, but I do use hoops as well. If your stitching has become distorted, it's more likely that you are pulling your stitches too tight - if that's happening then it doesn't matter if you use hoops, frames or stitch in the hand (or at least, it doesn't seem to when I do it lol).
It's recommended that you take it out of the hoop when you're not stitching, but I'll be completely honest that sometimes I have forgotten to do it, and everything's been ok Having said that, I don't think I'd leave it in all the time on purpose, just incase something bad did happen to the stitching >_<

I hope that helps

[Yurtle]

It almost sounds like your tension is just off. Sometimes the stitches are too tight (like blackmageheart said) and othertimes too loose. A hoop will help stretch your fabric from the beginning and if the hoop is on properly and tight enough, it should help even things out a little bit.

Honestly, I've left hoops on some of my projects for months and months at a time. While they will stretch the fabric in some areas and not in others when you're using the hoop, all problems will go away once you wash the fabric and iron it out. I've never had any long lasting effects by using hoops and I use them as much as I can. I tend to hold fabric too tight between my fingers when I'm stitching without a hoop and it causes a lot of pain in my index finger. Using a hoop really helps with that.

[Brodeuse]

Using a hoop helps making more regular stitches. Moreover, with a hoop, you'll see the fabric better. It helps counting. I usually don't remove it when I'm not stitching and never had any problem.

[SephreniaMusic]

I used to stitch in hand but the last 8 months I've been using a hoop which I really prefer. In my case I have a lot of pain in my left shoulder and with the hoop I can let the crosstitch rest on a pillow and just use my arm to steady it which minamize the pain. Also I've been stitching a lot on black or dark blue aida and it's a lot easier to see the holes with a hoop. I'm to lazy to remove to hoop also since I stitch a lot but have to leave for other things I don't know how long it will be and it feels silly to remove the hoop many times a day. I have never had a problem with leaving the hoop on.

[wafflesmama84]

Hello! I have been using hoops since I started stitching. I cross stitch and embroider and it's the only way I can possibly stitch. I make my fabric really tight, and never have had any problems with any permanent marks or distorting. I did, however, rip some fabric once because I pulled it too tight (right before I was done with the project--grr!!!). One suggestion I have is to use little plastic alligator clips to hold the excess fabric away from you. You can find them at the dollar stores or Walmart for about one dollar. Also I've found that smaller hoops make it so the fabric can be held tighter. I hope this helps!

[Nitewing]

I bought a lap frame for a large project (I'm attempting Servo's Discworld Death) but I'm finding it's rather heavy and my arm and elbow are sore after a stitching session. I like how I get a bigger picture of what I'm stitching out of a frame but I'm thinking of returning to the hoop to save my poor, mangled joint lol.

[robthecellibate]

I have only done one project so far, but the hoop really made things easier for me. Maybe it is better for beginners

[Grimace]

I always use hoops and get annoyed at the wrinkles they leave. I just started using q snaps which are super easy to put on and off and are light. I highly recommend them.

http://www.qsnap.com/needlework_frames.asp

And no I don't work for or sell these, just a personal opinion

[oh.no.its.meagan]

Yes I use Q Snaps as well...they are such a great investment I fully recommend them...