A quick overview on the art of Multiple Hooping for beginners

If you’ve ever tackled a larger or more intricate embroidery design, you’ve likely encountered multiple hooping. 

While the process may seem intimidating at first, it’s a game-changer for creating larger-than-hoop designs with precision. In this blog, we’ll walk you through using multiple hooping techniques to achieve perfect alignment every time, using our Gilded Inspiration design as an example.

Why Multiple Hooping?

Some embroidery designs, like the SDS3138 Gilded Inspiration and SDS1513 Hoffman Dream Big, are too large to fit into a single hoop. Multiple hooping allows you to break the design into sections, stitch each one individually, and ensure they align seamlessly. This is especially important for designs that rely on precise detail and flow, making the end result look professional and polished.

Tools You’ll Need

For this process, we recommend using a metal hoop with magnets. Not only does it hold your fabric securely in place, but it also makes repositioning easier when moving from one hooping to the next. Additionally, the printed transparent templates included with the design set are crucial for ensuring each section of your design lines up perfectly.

Step-by-Step: Using the Templates for Alignment

The transparent templates we provide with the Gilded Inspiration design set are your best friend during multiple hooping. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Print to scale:
  These templates give you a clear guide to where each part of your design should be positioned in the hoop. Make sure you print them at 100% scale or they will not fit the design. Print them on transparencies as this makes it much easier to align and avoids having to cut them.

• Place the Template on the Fabric:
  After stitching the first section, place the template on your fabric where the next part of the design will go. Align it precisely with the edges of your already-stitched design. Aligning the cross hairs on the template with the middle markings of your hoop.

• Hoop the Fabric with the Metal Hoop:
  Use the metal hoop and magnets to secure the fabric in place without shifting. The magnets provide strong support while making it easy to make small adjustments as needed and then double check your alignment.

• Stitch the Next Section:
  Once your fabric is hooped and aligned, proceed with stitching the next part of the design and repeat until finished.



For a more in-depth look at the multiple hooping process and how to use these tools effectively, check out our free YouTube tutorial here and here.

Embroidery Machines with Projector Features

Some modern embroidery machines come equipped with built-in projectors that can make alignment even easier. These projectors display the next section of your design directly onto the fabric, giving you a visual aid to ensure perfect placement. If you own a machine with this feature, it can be a handy addition to the template method or even totally replace the templates saving you time and money!

Wrapping It Up

Multiple hooping may seem tricky at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a fantastic way to bring larger designs to life. Whether you’re using printed transparent templates or taking advantage of your machine’s projector, achieving precise alignment is totally possible—even for beginners!

Be sure to check out our Gilded Inspiration and Hoffman Panel designs and the accompanying tutorial to get started on your next embroidery project.

As always, have fun and enjoy every stitch!