So you’ve finished an embroidery project, how exciting! One of your last steps is backing your hoop. It can be a bit off putting to do, but let’s make it a bit easier on you. Once you get the process down, it can actually be quick and enjoyable.
So what do you need?
- Iron and ironing board
- Hot glue gun
- hot glue sticks
- scissors
STEP 1 – First is to iron your finished embroidery piece. There’s a chance you won’t have any visible creases in your fabric. If you feel that you can give this step a pass, then go ahead!
STEP 2 – Now onto backing your hoop – first, you’ll want to pull your fabric taut in your hoop until your piece is positioned as you want it. Remember, once you start gluing down your fabric, it will be difficult to adjust the fabric any further. Tighten your hoop as much as you can.
STEP 3 – Then, you’ll want to trim off any excess fabric from your embroidery hoop and leaving about a third of an inch or so around the edges. You’ll want just enough to cover the interior of the wooden hoop when you glue it down.
STEP 4 – Next you’ll take your scissors and cut slits in the fabric every half inch or so. This will make it easier to glue down the fabric without it bunching up. Complete this step in order to eliminate bunched up fabric.
STEP 5 – Then you’ll use your hot glue gun and create a strip of glue on the inside of your hoop, about an inch at a time.
STEP 6 – Once you’ve laid glue on the interior of the hoop, quickly place the strips of fabric on your line of glue. You’ll want to do this step quickly and carefully so you don’t burn your fingers. Then repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have glued down the rest of the strips of fabric.
Now that you’ve finished backing your hoop, be proud! You can now go on to hang and display your amazing art! This is the finished product of my Freezer Bunny cross stitch piece, it now hangs over my desk. (However it is for sale on my Etsy!).
Did you enjoy this guide? Then check out the rest of Sophie’s posts! You can also check out Sophie’s Instagram and Pinterest where she shares lots of neat Tips & Tricks about embroidery.