Whether you measure your hoops in millimeters or inches, it can be confusing to know just what that means when it comes to buying the right sized embroidery designs.
Our hoop sizes dictate what we are able to embroider, largely determined by the machine that we purchase. If you are not certain, your manual explains which hoop sizes are compatible with your machine.
As an example, Bonnie’s Elegant Embossed Alphabets are available in four hoop sizes: 2 x 2, 4 x 4, 5 x 7, and 6 x 10 inches. With these options, you can monogram everything from wash cloths and napkins up to robes and over-sized towels.
Did you notice that regular price is $25 per set but you can get all four sizes for half off! Our VIPs Club Members save even more. Find out about our VIP Club here.
Where the hoopla gets confusing is that industry standards typically go by millimeters, and that is how our hoops are marked, but general references are most often made in inches.
I am embarrassed to say that I thought (for far too long) that my 150 x 240mm hoop from my first embroidery machine was a 5 x 7 inch hoop. It will stitch 5 x 7 designs but actually has a stitching field of 6 x 9.6 inches (a 6 x 9 hoop). Some people round up and say that it is a 6 x 10 hoop, but a 6 × 10 hoop actually stitches up to a 6.29 x 10.2 inch design.
When in doubt, use a millimeter-to-inches calculator.
You can certainly stitch smaller designs in larger hoops but the rule of thumb is to use the smallest hoop for the design that you can. That helps to eliminate registration issues, puckering, and produces better results.
Bonnie Welsh - September 26, 2023
Beverly—Good catch! Looks like the graph has a typo in it. I looked at what 360 mm equals in inches and it’s actually 14.1732. That would be the correct number not 14.7. I have noticed that sometimes things are rounded up or down when it comes to inches and stating what size a hoop is simply because it’s easier to say. You’ll notice the 5×7 hoop sewing field is actually slightly larger too, again, because it’s easier to say “5×7” than “5.12 × 7.09”. =)
Beverly - September 26, 2023
How is it possible to r a hoop size to be 9.5” X 14”, and the sewing field be 14.7”?
Bonnie Welsh - March 03, 2021
Hi everyone! Debbie always has great information up her sleeves. It’s a great reference to save money on stabilizers for sure not to mention better results as the design will be more secure in the hoop which equals less puckers. =)
Bonnie Welsh - March 03, 2021
Marie—You’re most welcome. We’ve bounced back here in Texas with clear skies and warmer weather. Thank goodness and thanks for asking and your prayers. We’ve been here over 30 years and never saw anything like it before.
Sharon - March 03, 2021
Very helpful! I will keep this by my machine!
Elizabeth Cornett - March 03, 2021
Thank you so much for this. It makes setting up hoops so much easier in digitizing software
Tina Tremblay - March 03, 2021
Very good Information.
Vicky Haynes - March 03, 2021
This was very helpful, I’ve saved the chart for reference.
Sharen V - March 03, 2021
Thank you for this valuable information. I plan to print the chart and keep it handy for my next embroidery project.
Judy Shafer - March 03, 2021
Thanks for the info. I am also always trying to get the best use of my hoop size. This is a great reference to have.
Marie Davis - March 03, 2021
Thank you so much Bonnie for this information. I have been searching for something like this so I can mark my hoops as such. How are things coming along there in TX? Have you and everyone there in my prayers. I hope to get back to embroidering and sewing very soon.
Bonnie Welsh - March 02, 2021
Judy—You’re most welcome. You’re absolutely right, no need to use a larger hoop when a smaller one will work perfectly.
Necaise Judy - March 02, 2021
Thank you so much for providing such great information using hoops. Anytime we can cut corners & not be so wasteful using supplies is a $$ saved. When I first started using hoops I wasted a lot of stabilizer.