By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
Yes, you can leave finished embroidery in the hoop. Hanging it in the hoop is one of the most popular ways to display it. The hoop works as a ready-made round frame. To make it look finished, tighten the fabric, trim the extra fabric at the back and cover the back with felt. If you stitched in a plastic working hoop, many people move the piece into a wooden or decorative hoop for display.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Can you leave embroidery in the hoop? | Yes, for display. It's the simplest way to frame it |
| Should you leave it in the hoop while working? | Take it out between sessions so the hoop doesn't crease the fabric |
| Plastic or wooden hoop for display? | Either works. A decorative or wooden hoop looks more finished |
| How do you finish the back? | Trim, gather or glue the edge, then cover with felt |
| Other ways to display it? | A picture frame, a shadow box, or sewn into a pillow or bag |
Leaving it in the hoop to display
The working hoop is already round and holds the fabric taut, so many stitchers simply finish the back and hang it. It suits floral designs, samplers and lettering, and a group of hoops in different sizes makes an easy gallery wall.
How to finish an embroidery hoop (step by step)
- Press and center. Take the fabric out, gently press it from the back on a towel if it has hoop creases, then put it back with the design centered.
- Tighten. Pull the fabric drum-tight and tighten the screw at the top.
- Trim. Cut the extra fabric at the back, leaving a border of about 2–3 cm (1 inch).
- Secure the edge. Either sew a running stitch around the border and pull it tight like a drawstring, or glue the border to the inside of the inner ring.
- Cover the back. Cut a felt circle the size of the inner ring and glue or stitch it over the back. Some kits include a ready-cut felt backing.
- Hang. Use the screw at the top, or tie a ribbon through it.
When to move it out of the working hoop
- The working hoop is plastic and you want a warmer look. Swap to a wooden or decorative hoop.
- You want glass protection from dust. Use a picture frame or shadow box.
- It's going to be used, not hung. Sew it onto a pillow, tote bag or pouch.
Should you leave embroidery in the hoop while you're stitching?
Between sessions, it's better to take it out. A hoop left on for days can leave a ring-shaped crease and slightly stretch the fabric. If the crease does happen, it usually presses out from the back.
Our embroidery kits for hoop display
"You Are" Embroidery Kit (Amazon) includes a printed lettering design on 25x25 cm fabric, a 20 cm plastic hoop for stitching and a separate decorative hoop for display, plus 10 needles and 4 needle threaders. The printed fabric isn't washable, so press it gently from the back instead.
Stitch Dictionary Practice Kit (Amazon) has 4 printed sampler fabrics and a 20 cm plastic hoop. Finished samplers make a good reference gallery for a craft room wall.
Cat Stitch Dictionary Kit (Amazon) is the same format with 3 printed fabrics and a cat design.
4 Floral Embroidery Kit (Amazon) makes 4 color-printed floral pieces with a 20 cm hoop, designed to be displayed as a set.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if you want to frame a large piece under glass, you'll need a frame or shadow box from a framing shop. Our kits are hoop-sized pieces.
Other good options
A shadow box frame from any craft or home store is a good choice for embroidery you want to protect from dust, or for pieces that include beads or 3D stitches.
FAQ
Do you leave embroidery in the hoop? For display, yes, it's the most common way. While you're still working, take it out between sessions.
How do you finish the back of an embroidery hoop? Trim the fabric to about 2–3 cm, gather or glue the edge inside the hoop, and cover the back with felt.
Can you display embroidery in a plastic hoop? Yes. Many people swap to a wooden or decorative hoop for a more finished look.
Will the hoop damage my embroidery? Not for display. Left on for days while working, it can crease the fabric, which usually presses out.
How do you hang an embroidery hoop? Hang it from the screw at the top on a small nail, or tie a ribbon through it.
Should I wash embroidery before framing? Only if your fabric is washable. Some printed kit fabrics aren't, so check the instructions first.
Related Craft Guides: What Supplies Do You Need to Start Embroidery? · Is Embroidery Easy to Learn? · Craft Kit Gifts for Moms and Adults
