Magnetic Embroidery Hoops – 4 types

There are 4 different types of magnetic embroidery hoops currently on the market (as of 2021). Some magnetic embroidery hoops specialize in free-arm, multi-needle embroidery machines while others fit only home flat bed embroidery machines. Magnetic embroidery hoops use a few different systems to hold the fabric in place. Thus, it is important to know which type of magnetic embroidery hoops are being discussed when considering purchasing.

Magnetic embroidery hoops use magnets to hold the fabric. Traditional embroidery hoops use 2 rings that fit inside each other. Magnetic embroidery hoops can prevent hoop burn and hold bulkier fabrics than traditional hoops. However, magnetic embroidery hoops can be a bit pricey.

1) Amazon has a magnetic hoop with a flat metal base and individual round button magnets that stick to the metal base. This type is the least expensive and fits flatbed embroidery machines. You will want to purchase additional button magnets as the hoops don’t quite come with enough magnets to hold the fabric securely.

2) Dime makes the Snap Hoop Monster magnetic hoops for flatbed home embroidery machines and multi-needle home (and small business) embroidery machines. These hoops have a metal base and a top ring with magnets. Dime does not currently make magnetic hoops for commercial embroidery machines.

3) Brother magnetic hoops are a brand new offering for 2021. These hoops fit Brother and Baby Lock flat bed and multi-needle machines. They offer a shaped bottom ring (with a triangular ridge on the bottom) and long shaped magnets (also triangular shaped) that fit on top of the bottom ring. These hoops are the most expensive of all of the magnetic hoops with an initial pricing of $799 MSRP for a 6″x10″ hoop. It isn’t clear if the hoops will be offered at a lower price at a later date. The disadvantage of this hooping system is that the top magnets hide the center marks on the bottom hoop. Thus, it can be hard to align garments in this hoop, although it is easy to hoop pieces of fabric that don’t need to be precisely centered in the hoop.

4) Mighty Hoops are for multi-needle embroidery machines. (Their website states that they have plans to expand into flatbed home machines at some future date.) These hoops have embedded magnets in both the bottom ring and the top ring. The magnets are very strong and often pinch fingers. A hooping station is often used for shirt logos to keep the placement consistent.