Monday, April 9, 2012

Tip for the Embroiderers Out There

Okay it's Monday and I'm back to share a tip for those who use the hoops for embroidery that are adjusted by a screw.
I always seem to get my thread caught on the screw every now and again and it gets me frustrated. It really isn't good for the thread and I lose my rhythm of stitching as well. So what to do?
I did see where one of the manufacturers of hoops has come out with one that tries to take care of this problem but it was expensive and not available in the type and size of hoop I like to use. My preference is an oval shape about 6 inches long. My hand can hold it better.
Okay back to the problem at hand and I hope I'm not the only one having this happen either a lot or occasionally.
Here's what I did and I can't be more pleased with the results: I went to the hardware store and purchased a roll of plastic tubing. To be exact it was 3/8" X 1/4" X 20 ft. long. Okay sure I don't need 20 feet but that was the smallest I could find. I think places like ACE (at least the one in Hawaii) may have rolls where they will cut off a piece for you.
plastic cover for screw
I cut a piece off that was a little more than the length of the hoop screw. Then I slit along one edge of it to open it up. Now I just slip it over the screw once I have the tension adjusted and I can embroider with out any snagging frustrations!
I think I would like a piece just a little bit bigger so the tube touches the side of the hoop. The 3/8" has a very small gap that your thread could slip under but at least it's not catching on the screw and shredding.
close up of cover

An inexpensive fix for a very frustrating problem! And it can be used on more than one hoop no matter the size of the hoop!

Happy Stitching!

Rose

6 comments:

Boud said...

I love ingenuity like this! and yes, I have that very annoying snagging on the screw problem, particularly irritating when it's metallic thread which is hard enough to work with anyway!

Helga said...

Thanks for this tip.
LG,
Helga

maisie sparrow's vintage pictures said...

Hi Rose...What a brilliant idea..Thanks for that!!Nice blog I found it through stitching fingers.Blessings.Maisie.

Deb said...

Great idea and I have some tubing lying around here from another project so next time I use my wooden hoop I am making a screw cover, thanks for the great tip

shami said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog. Keep watching my blog. The tip u have given is very useful.

Maneki said...

Thanks for the tip! I keep snagging my threads all the time, especially since I a) never plan ahead when positioning the hoop so the screw is is far from the thread loops and b) keep moving the hoop so even it the screw is in a good position initially it end up being in the way.