Do you have to use a hoop when doing cross-stitch?

A hoop keeps the fabric stretched so when you are done, the stitches don’t gather up and look bad. You can use other methods to stretch the fabric, but it looks much better and is easier to follow the pattern when you use a hoop.

Thanks @YARNLADY ! Does the hoop need to be bigger than the entire cross-stitch, or can I do a section and then move it? Or would moving it damage stitches already done?

(A dear friend of mine has just started cross-stitching and she loves it, so I’ve stolen the idea from her….)

I always used a hoop that was a little bigger than the fabric. It is necessary in order not to stretch the fabric randomly.

I prefer to use a hoop bigger than the work area. For really large pieces, I use a wooden frame and staple the fabric to it.

You can use a small hoop and simply move it around, but there is always the possibility of pulling or otherwise damaging the stitches.

Ideally the hoop should be bigger than the entire design to avoid damagng or stretching the stitches. For bigger projects, a roll frame is better. For really small projects you wouldn’t need a hoop at all but it really depends on the stiffness of the fabric. It’s honestly much easier to handle a project that’s in a hoop or frame, but it’s not so vital that you couldn’t skip it, for instance if travelling. It’s just harder to manage without.

yes I’m a cross-stitcher… shhh don’t tell anyone!

That’s all really helpful advice, thank you all so much! I’m thinking of trying to tackle a larger one (as I have 3 empty-ish weeks) so I shall look into the roll frame option…

don’t worry @downtide your secret’s safe with us!

Well, I’ve acquired a roll-frame from my mother, and the cross-stitch I found on Ebay is on it’s way! I’m very excited! :-)