Hoops
An embroidery hoop or (earlier) tambour frame consists of a pair of concentric circular or elliptical rings. The larger ring has a tightening device, usually in the form of a metal screw. The artisan repositions the hoop as needed when working over a large piece of fabric. Embroidery hoops come in various sizes and are generally small enough to control with one hand and rest in the lap. Hoops were originally made of wood, bone, or ivory; modern hoops are made of wood or plastic. Hoops may be attached to a table-top or floor stand when both hands must be free for sewing, as in making tambour lace. Standing floor frames and lap frames allow the crafter to keep both hands free for working, which increases the speed and precision of work performed.
Very thin plastic hoops are also used in machine embroidery.
Read more about this topic: Embroidery Hoop
Famous quotes containing the word hoops:
“Since to the awe of thy imperious wit
Our troublesome language bends, made only fit
With her tough thick-ribbed hoops to gird about
Thy giant fancy, which had proved too stout
For their soft melting phrases.”
—Thomas Carew (1589–1639)
“All that hoops are good for is to clean dirty shoes and keep fellows at a distance.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)
“I have seen her smooth as a cheek.
I have seen her easy,
doing her business,
lapping in.
I have seen her rolling her hoops of blue.
I have seen her tear the land off.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)