Cuties, what are your opinions of sock hoops and hat hoops for a single needle embroidery machine? I am trying to expand the type of embroidery things I can do for people without buying a multi-needle machine right now. I hope one day I will be able to afford a multi-needle machine -- but that day is not today. ;)

Okay, this is the way I embroider on socks...except I use a larger hoop and pin 3-4 across (depending upon the size of the sock)...and then pin up the toe...then pin another row across...then pin up the toe...and go down the hoop until it is full...Hope this makes sense...I use have used both sticky stabilizer and cutaway...both work well...I don't really see a need for a special hoop...

1 comment

by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Thank you for this link.
I only wish my hands would cooperate...my health issues make pinning like that hard. Normally, I would just do it...I just need something faster and less painful.

Found this You Tube Video on hooping socks

3 comments

by jerrib 25 Jun 2014

Sorry I don't seem to have any luck adding links, but you can find the video at: www.cookiescreations.com

by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

YouTube links rarely succeed here. Thanks so much for the info!

by jerrib 25 Jun 2014

Your welcome Rescuer.

I made myself a set of 2 sock holders (adult and baby) like what you can buy. I saw a video on u-tube where a lady was demoing how she does socks. I didn't like the price, so made some just like them using a plastic coated wire hanger and for on the two ends I cut one of those soft finger holders that you put on pencils or pens so where you hold them you have a soft grip. It works great. You put the sock on the holderand use the sticky stabilizer.

I gave doing a cap one day a try and I just used the sticky stabilizer and pins and it worked OK.

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Great idea! Thanks

I do have a sock thingy that I never used, as far as hats, I detest them, but that is just me.......I have difficulty hooping them tight enough in either machine......Bernina or the Melco......I almost liked the Bernina better as I seemed to have more control and used the sticky stabil so it helped the hat flatten......2 years ago I did 150 hats for a bar & grill here in town and I have not done another since...LOL!
I wouldn't shy away from it though, it is nice to have the versatility of things you can stitch....I envy those that have not problem with hats and do them all the time!

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

It seems many people would love to personalize a hat or two...I don't really want to try to compete with the big companies we have around here though.
No 150 hats for me!
LOL

The sock hoop works great once you get the hang of it. Can't tell you how many socks have the design upside down or a directional design going the wrong direction! Good luck. Nan W

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

I think I will have a directional issue once or twice too. I do too much stitching when I am sleepy. ;)

I have both hoops for my Janome. They both work well. The hat hoop fits inside the 5&7 hoop. I have made a number of hats. Check out with your dealer as to what hoops are available for your machine. I too wish I had a multi-needle machine but like you today is not that day.

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Good to know they both work well.
One day we will get the multi-needle machines and then neither of us will be seen outside our sewing areas for days as we will be playing with our new machines.
It could happen!

Sorry 'R' but I have never heard of these hoops. That's what comes of living in darkest Africa. LOL!!!! Hugs Sarah

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Dear Sarah, I will let you know if I choose that for my gift from a friend to help me on my path to business success... I might even post pictures -- one day! LOL
Hugs!!

I have a sock hoop but can't help you because I've never opened the package it came in.


I can embroider on any hat that opens in the back on my Bernina on a 4x4 hoop (which physically measures 4x5.25) and sticky paper. I've done dozens of them. Front and back. Here's the thing: nobody told me I had to have special equipment to do it, so I just did it.
This picture of a hat I bought at KMart is on my 5x7 frame for some reason, I did this one last July.

1 images:[1]

5 comments

by debbiedebbie610 24 Jun 2014

I tried to do it this way but have been unsuccessful in getting the hat to lay flat enough. Any tricks you can share?

by vickiannette 24 Jun 2014

Now is as good a time as any to get the hoop from the packet, haha. We are all waiting with bated breath.......

by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Jerrilyn, you are an inspiration!
However, I have tried your method and the hat won the battle. LOL

by jrob 25 Jun 2014

I remember why I used the 5x7. It was so that I could see the crossed lines to center the hat. I used sticky paper (the kind that you have to wet to get it to stick) and pins. I chose that type so that I could draw the lines on it first. That's all no secrets.

by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Thank you
I might try your way...as mine was regular sticky paper. I never did get to the part of actual stitching...just fighting with the sticky paper and the hat. LOL

I would be interested in the answer too. Hope someone has it. Hugs

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

It looks like they might work well. I do hope so.

I hope to hear what others may say on this question too. Have looked at one on You Tube, but that's as close as I've been! but it will expand our range, so hope someone has used one for real.

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

I keep looking on YouTube too...but I trust Cuties a lot more than someone that seems to be selling the item. LOL

I have the 40x40 hoop that's a little bit small...but not the actual sock hoop. I'm interested in other's answers too! I tried doing a hat with instructions on a site...and it did NOT work for me.

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

I have a very small hoop too -- but I am told the sock hoop is a bit different from a regular hoop. I don't know if that is true or not.

No don't own either for either of my machines.

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by rescuer 25 Jun 2014

Thank you for the reply.

I don't have either of them, but am interested in them also. Thanks for the question.

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by rescuer 24 Jun 2014

I hope someone has good answers for us both then.