You know me and my love for different size embroidery kits. hoop embroidery. I love them. I love finding them at thrift stores. My collection was building up so it was time to use them! This time I used a big one, a small one, and an oval one to create a rustic-meets-modern interpretation of pumpkins to form a wreath for our front door.
Materials Needed
I was inspired by the twine striped pumpkins on my front porch. Here’s how I made my Pumpkin Yarn Hoop Embroidery Wreath!
- Embroidery hoop in a smaller ring size for delicate projects.s in different shapes and sizes. Use a large one as the “anchor”, plus two smaller ones to layer on top.
- Yarn and twine. I used jute twine in natural and in green (you could use green yarn), butcher’s twine, and orange yarn.
- Glue gun
- Scissors
Whoa, is that all the supplies I used? Usually there’s so much more! You can find hoops and frames at any craft store, often in the needlework aisle near embroidery kits that include all the necessary tools for a free project..
Directions: Wrapping the Hoops
Basically you will wrap all three embroidery hoops completely, embellish them with a contrasting yarn or twine, and then add the green up top as the stem. You secure the yarn/twine simply by tying knots. At the end, you use hot glue to layer the embroidery hoops together. If you’d like more details, here you go!
Step 1: The Base Wrap
First, I’ll go over how I cover the embroidery hoop completely with twine, easily adding a decorative touch. Separate the two rings from each other (remove the inner ring if you just want to use the outer, or keep them together for a thicker look). Tie one end around one of the rings. Leave a length of about 2 inches at the end. You’ll tie the other end to this when you finish.
Then put them back together, and start wrapping. The twine ball was pretty small, so I could fit it through the inside of the hoop as I wrapped. When you have wrapped it all, tie that end to the original end, and trim. Try to put the knot towards the back.
Embellishing the Pumpkins
Step 2: Adding Stripes
Then to embellish this hoop, I took some yarn and tied it to the screw up top. I wrapped it around at sort of a diagonal, about 1 inch or so apart. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Then when you reach the top, go around the other way, so the diagonals are in the opposite direction. And finish by tying a knot to the first end, making sure it rests securely.
Step 3: Creating the Stem
For the “stem”, start by again tying the green twine around the metal screw to secure the hoops I’m using for the project.. Then start wrapping around and around horizontally, creating a circle of twine. Then when you’ve wrapped enough twine around that it’s the same length as the screw, start wrapping over the screw, up and down. This will form the stem and cover the screw, plus the ends of the orange yarn.
As you wrap, make sure the length is sticking out, to which you will tie another knot. Trim the ends. All done with the first pumpkin.
Variations for Different Pumpkins
For the oval pumpkin, I wrapped it in white butcher’s twine, then I thought I’d add orange stripes all around it. So I started on the side of the oval, and tied a knot, leaving a length again. I then wrapped 1 inch or so of orange yarn, then I tucked the end into the last wrap, and pulled it over to tie the knot with the original length from the first knot. Then I made the green stem in the same manner as the first pumpkin.
I hope that all made sense! Second pumpkin done. My girls said he looks like he’s wearing a sweater. For the big pumpkin, I covered it with orange yarn. To make things easier, I pulled out a bunch of yarn from my big skein, enough to make a ball about the size of my palm. Then wrapped it with jute twine in just one direction, and made another green stem.
Assembly
Ready to glue everything together. I layered the two small pumpkins on top of the big one. First I glued the small pumpkin and the oval pumpkin together where they meet in the middle, then added a circle of twine. To support the glue while it dried, I stuck a roll of tape underneath to hold it. Then I carefully lifted up the parts of the small pumpkins that touch the big pumpkin and applied more hot glue.
All done. This look may not be for everyone, but I love the abstract nature of the wreath, with a little bit of shabby cozy thrown in by the twine and yarn. And I love crafts with minimal supplies that I had at home already, and that I can do while lounging on the couch.
Conclusion
By now, you must have understood how amazing a Pumpkin Yarn Hoop Embroidery Wreath can be! It’s a treat for the eyes. This year when it comes to decorating your home, why not add this unique creation? Let us know in comments if there’s anything we missed!
FAQs
Q: What is hoop embroidery and why use an embroidery hoop?
A: Hoop embroidery is a method of hand embroidery where a circular or square frame — commonly called an embroidery hoop or device — holds fabric taut so you can stitch precisely. The hoop keeps the fabric around the work flat and prevents puckering, making it easier to sew stitches, follow a design, and create a neat piece of art whether you work by hand or with guidance from a machine pattern.
Q: How do I choose the right hoop size (4 inch, 5, 6, 7 and larger)?
A: Choose a hoop size based on the size of your design and the area you want to work on. Small projects often fit well in a 4 inch or 5 inch round hoop, while medium work may use different size hoops. Larger rings or square hoops are available for big tapestries or pieces. If you need mobility, pick a size that fits comfortably on your lap or in a stand.
Q: What materials are hoops made from — wood, bamboo, plastic, or metal — and which is best?
A: Hoops come in wooden, bamboo, plastic, and metal varieties. Wooden and bamboo hoops are popular for hand embroidery because they grip fabric well without slipping and feel warm in the hand. Plastic and metal hoops can be lighter or more durable, and some have a screw device for fine tension adjustment. Choose based on comfort, how taut you like your fabric, and whether you plan to display the hoop as art.
Q: How do I hoop fabric correctly so it stays fabric taut and easy to stitch?
A: To hoop fabric, loosen the outer ring, place the inner ring on a flat place, center your fabric over it, then press the outer ring down and tighten the screw while pulling the fabric gently to make it taut. The fabric around the hoop should be smooth and tight like a drum; this prevents holes and uneven stitches and makes hand embroidery or machine-guided stitching easier.
Q: Can I use an embroidery hoop with machine embroidery or is it for hand embroidery only?
A: Most traditional hoops are for hand embroidery, but some devices and frames are designed specifically for machine embroidery. If you’re doing machine work, use a hoop compatible with your machine. For mixed techniques you can start a design by hand in a hoop and finish or embellish with a machine, taking care to use appropriate adhesive backings or hoops designed for the machine.
