Do you have beautiful embroidery or cross stitch you finished in a hoop and wonder how to put it on your wall? You can easily hang cross stitch in a hoop, or any art in a hoop, using simple tools or even without nails! Hanging embroidery hoops on your wall is a great way to show off your work. Let’s look at how you can do this.
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Why Hang Your Embroidery Hoops?
Putting your finished work on the wall is fun. It turns your craft into home decor. Displaying embroidery hoops lets you share your art. You can make a single piece stand out. Or you can group many together. This makes a lovely picture on the wall. Embroidery hoop wall art ideas are endless. You can show off different sizes and colors.
Getting Ready to Hang Hoops
Before you hang your hoops, get them ready. Make sure the fabric is tight. Check the screw at the top of the hoop. It should be snug. This keeps your fabric from moving.
Next, finish the back of your hoop. This makes it look neat. It also helps protect your stitches.
Making the Back Look Good
There are a few ways to finish the back.
- Trim the extra fabric: Cut the fabric close to the hoop edge. Use a strong glue to stick the fabric to the inside back of the hoop. White craft glue works well. Press it down smoothly.
- Gather the fabric: Leave more fabric. Use a strong thread to stitch a running stitch around the edge. Pull the thread tight. This gathers the fabric neatly in the middle. You can glue a felt or fabric circle over this. This covers the gathered part.
- Lace it up: Some people lace the extra fabric across the back. This is like lacing a shoe. It keeps the fabric tight. Then cover it with felt.
Finishing the back is important. It makes your piece look nice from all sides. It also helps it hang flat against the wall.
Choosing How to Hang Your Hoop
You have choices for hanging your hoops. You can use nails or hang them without nails. Your choice might depend on where you live. If you rent, you might not want to make holes.
Hanging with Nails
This is a simple way if you can make small holes.
- What you need: A small nail or screw. A hammer or screwdriver. Maybe a level and pencil.
- How to do it:
- Decide where the hoop goes. Mark the spot lightly with a pencil.
- Look at the top of your hoop. There is a screw part. This is usually where you hang it.
- Place the nail or screw on your pencil mark. Hammer the nail in. Or screw the screw in. Leave it sticking out a little. The hoop will rest on this.
- Hook the hoop onto the nail or screw by the screw part.
- Use a level to make sure it is straight. Adjust if needed.
Using nails is strong. It holds the hoop well. Hardware for hanging hoops like small nails are easy to find.
Hanging Hoops Without Nails
Don’t want holes? No problem! You can hang hoops without nails. There are good options for this.
Using Command Strips
Command strips are sticky hangers. They stick to the wall strongly but come off cleanly. They are great for hanging embroidery hoops on wall.
- What you need: Command strips or Command hooks. Choose ones meant for pictures or general hanging. Small hooks work well for hoops.
- How to do it with a hook:
- Clean the wall where the hook goes. Use rubbing alcohol. Let it dry.
- Get your Command hook ready. Read the package rules.
- Peel the paper off the sticky part.
- Press the hook firmly onto the wall. Press hard for 30 seconds.
- Wait. The package tells you how long. Usually an hour. This lets the glue stick well.
- Hook your embroidery hoop onto the hook. The hook fits perfectly under the hoop’s screw part.
- How to do it with strips:
- Clean the wall.
- Get two strips that lock together (like Velcro). Stick one strip to the back of the hoop near the top screw.
- Stick the other strip to the wall where you want the hoop.
- Line them up and press the hoop against the wall. The strips will lock.
- Or, you can use one or two regular Command strips on the back of the hoop. Stick them to the wall. This works best for very light hoops.
Command strips for embroidery hoops are popular. They are easy to use. They protect your walls. Make sure you use the right size strip or hook for the weight of your hoop. Most hoops are light. Small hooks or strips are often enough.
Using Ribbon or Twine
You can use a pretty ribbon or simple twine to hang your hoops. This adds a nice touch to your display. Using ribbon to hang hoops looks lovely.
- What you need: Ribbon or twine. Scissors. A small nail, screw, or Command hook for the wall.
- How to do it:
- Cut a piece of ribbon or twine. Make it longer than you need. You can trim it later.
- Tie the ribbon or twine to the metal screw part at the top of the hoop. Tie a strong knot. You can tie it in a loop.
- Decide where you want the hoop.
- Put a small nail, screw, or Command hook on the wall at that spot.
- Hang the ribbon loop onto the nail, screw, or hook.
- Let the hoop hang down from the ribbon.
- Adjust the ribbon length by changing the knot or the hanging spot on the wall.
Using ribbon gives a charming look. You can choose ribbons that match your room or your embroidery. This method also means the hanging part on the wall is hidden behind the ribbon.
Getting Started With Hanging Multiple Hoops
Hanging multiple embroidery hoops creates a bigger impact. You can make a beautiful grouping. This is often called a gallery wall. Making a gallery wall with embroidery hoops lets you show off many pieces at once.
Planning Your Layout
Before you make holes or stick things to the wall, plan your layout.
- Where to put them? Choose a wall space. Look at the size of the space. Look at the size of your hoops.
- How many hoops? Gather all the hoops you want to hang.
- Play with the arrangement: Lay your hoops on the floor. Move them around. Find an arrangement you like. Try different shapes: a cluster, a line, a random group.
- Think about spacing: How far apart should the hoops be? Leave enough space so they don’t look crowded. But keep them close enough to look like a group.
- Use paper templates: Cut out paper circles the size of your hoops. Write the name of the design on each paper circle. Tape the paper circles to the wall. Move them around until the layout looks perfect. This lets you see exactly how it will look. It helps you get the spacing right.
Planning is very important. It saves you from making extra holes or sticking things in the wrong spot.
Creating a Gallery Wall with Hoops
Once your layout is planned, it’s time to hang them.
- Using your paper templates: If you used paper templates, the hard part is done.
- For nails/screws: Put your nail or screw right through the paper template. Hammer or screw it into the wall. Then tear away the paper template. Hang your hoop.
- For Command hooks/strips: Put your Command hook or strip right on the wall next to or under the paper template. Follow the Command strip rules for pressing and waiting. Then remove the paper template. Hang your hoop.
- For ribbon: Put your nail, screw, or Command hook on the wall based on where the top of the ribbon should go according to your template. Then hang the ribbon with the hoop.
Hanging multiple embroidery hoops might take some time. Work slowly. Check the spacing as you go. Step back often to look at the whole group.
Examining Different Methods Closely
Let’s look at the hanging methods in more detail.
Using Nails or Screws for Hoops
This method is simple and strong.
- What kind of nail/screw? You don’t need big ones. A small finishing nail works well. Or a small screw with a head big enough to hold the hoop’s screw part.
- Tools: A hammer for nails. A screwdriver or drill for screws. A pencil for marking. A level to check if things are straight. A tape measure to check spacing.
- Putting it in: Hold the nail straight against your wall mark. Tap it gently with the hammer to start. Then use firmer taps. Stop when the nail sticks out about half an inch. For screws, start the screw in the wall (you might need a small pilot hole first, depending on your wall and screw). Turn the screw until it is sticking out enough to hold the hoop.
- Pros: Very secure. Hard for the hoop to fall off. Simple hardware.
- Cons: Makes a hole in the wall. Not good for renters or delicate surfaces.
Using Command Strips or Hooks for Hoops
Command products are easy to use and remove without damage. This is key when learning how to hang hoops without nails.
- Choosing the right one: Look at the weight limit on the package. Embroidery hoops are light. Small hooks often hold up to 0.5 lbs or 1 lb. This is usually enough for a hoop. Picture hanging strips also work. Choose the small or medium size.
- Cleaning is key: The adhesive sticks best to clean, smooth surfaces. Use rubbing alcohol, not household cleaners. Clean the spot and let it fully dry for at least 5 minutes.
- Applying: Peel one side of the strip. Stick it to the back of the hook or directly onto the hoop (if using strips). Press firmly. Then peel the other side. Stick the hook/hoop to the wall. Press firmly against the wall for 30 seconds.
- Waiting time: Read the package! Most need to wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hook or hoop. This lets the adhesive bond well. If you hang it too soon, it might fall.
- Removing: This is the great part! Stretch the tab down slowly and straight along the wall. Do not pull it towards you. It will stretch and release cleanly.
- Pros: No holes. Easy to use. Clean removal. Many types available.
- Cons: Must follow directions exactly (cleaning, waiting). Might not hold heavy items (hoops are light, so this is usually fine). Can damage paint if not removed correctly.
Using Ribbon, Twine, or Wire for Hoops
Adding a hanging material adds style. Using ribbon to hang hoops is popular. You could also use thin wire or twine.
- What kind of material? Choose a ribbon or twine that looks good with your art. Silk ribbons look elegant. Twine gives a rustic look.
- How to tie: Thread the ribbon through the screw part at the top of the hoop. Bring the ends together. Tie a secure knot. You can tie a bow or a simple loop. Make sure the knot is strong.
- Hanging the ribbon: You still need something on the wall for the ribbon to hang from. A small nail, a small screw, or a small Command hook works well. This will be hidden behind the hoop and ribbon.
- Adjusting length: You can make the ribbon longer or shorter. Tie the knot higher or lower. Or change where you put the nail/hook on the wall.
- Pros: Adds a decorative touch. Easy to adjust the hanging height. Can use almost any small wall hook.
- Cons: The hoop might swing a bit more than if fixed directly to the wall. Need to make sure the knot is very secure.
Different Hardware for Hanging Hoops
Here is a quick look at hardware for hanging hoops:
| Hardware Type | Best Use | Wall Type Compatibility | Hole Made? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Nail | Light hoops, single hanging | Drywall, plaster | Yes | Need hammer. Simple and cheap. |
| Small Screw | Slightly heavier hoops, more secure | Drywall, wood, plaster | Yes | Need screwdriver. Very secure. |
| Command Hook | Any light hoop, single or group | Smooth painted walls | No | Must clean surface, wait before hanging. |
| Command Picture Strip | Light hoops, direct to wall | Smooth painted walls | No | Less visible than hooks. Need 2-4 strips. |
| Ribbon/Twine | Decorative hanging | N/A (Needs wall hook) | Depends | Hangs from another wall fixing. |
Knowing the different hardware for hanging hoops helps you choose the best method for your space.
Showing Off Your Hoops
Think about how you are displaying embroidery hoops.
- Lighting: Where is the light hitting your wall? Good light makes your stitches stand out. Avoid direct sunlight if it might fade the fabric over time.
- Grouping: Put hoops with similar colors or themes together. This creates a nice look. Mixing sizes adds interest.
- Mix with other art: Embroidery hoops look great mixed with framed pictures, prints, or other wall art. This makes a varied and interesting gallery wall.
- Keep them clean: Dust can settle on fabric. Gently dust your hoops now and then. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air from a distance.
These tips help make your embroidery hoop wall art ideas look professional and last longer.
Hanging Cross Stitch in a Hoop
How to hang cross stitch in a hoop is just like hanging any other embroidery in a hoop. The finished cross stitch stays right in the hoop you worked it in.
- Finish the back of the hoop neatly. This is extra important for cross stitch. It keeps all those little threads safe.
- Choose your hanging method: nail, Command hook, or ribbon.
- Hang it on the wall by the screw part at the top of the hoop.
It is that simple! Your cross stitch is ready for display. Many people finish their cross stitch projects right in the hoop because it’s an easy way to frame them. Then, hanging cross stitch in a hoop is quick and easy.
More Tips for Hanging Hoops
- Measure twice, hang once: Always measure where things will go. Use a ruler or tape measure.
- Use a level: A small level helps make sure your hoops are straight. This is especially helpful for rows or groups.
- Take a picture: Take a photo of your layout on the floor or with paper templates. Use it as a guide when you put them on the wall.
- Don’t rush: Hanging multiple embroidery hoops takes patience. Go one by one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Hoops
Here are some common questions people ask.
Can I hang heavy hoops with Command strips?
Most embroidery hoops are very light. Small Command hooks or strips usually work well for them. Always check the weight limit on the Command product package. If your hoop has very thick fabric or added heavy items, it might be heavier. Use more strips or a larger hook if needed. For very heavy items, nails or screws are safer.
How do I arrange hoops on a wall?
The best way is to plan first. Lay your hoops on the floor. Move them around until you like how they look together. Take a picture of the layout. Or use paper templates on the wall. Tape them up and adjust until you are happy. Then hang your hoops where the paper templates were. Think about spacing. Leave enough room so each hoop looks good.
What is the best way to finish the back of the hoop?
Finishing the back makes your work look neat and protects the stitches. Cutting and gluing the fabric edge inside the back of the hoop is fast and easy. Gathering the fabric and covering it with felt is also popular. Choose a method that you like and that looks tidy.
My hoop keeps turning on the nail. What can I do?
This can happen if the nail head is too small or the hoop’s screw part is loose. Try a nail with a slightly bigger head. Or use a small screw instead. A small Command hook might also hold it more steady than a nail. Sometimes, putting a tiny piece of mounting putty behind the bottom of the hoop helps keep it from spinning.
Can I hang hoops outside?
It is usually not a good idea to hang fabric art outside long-term. Sun, rain, and humidity can damage the fabric and threads. They can fade colors. They can also cause the hoop material (wood or plastic) to warp or break down. It is best to keep your embroidery and cross stitch indoors.
Final Thoughts
Hanging embroidery hoops on wall spaces brings your art to life. Whether you hang one special piece or create a large gallery wall with embroidery hoops, there is a method that works for you. You can use simple nails. Or you can choose nail-free options like Command strips for embroidery hoops. Using ribbon to hang hoops adds a decorative touch. With a little planning and the right tools, you can easily display your beautiful work for everyone to enjoy. Get started today!