
When I was working the samples for my book Hardanger Filling Stitches, I found that a tiny little hoop was really useful for working filling stitches with diagonals, such as the Wheel Stitch shown. Having the fabric flat in a hoop meant you couldn’t accidentally work the stitches too tight, resulting in unpleasant puckering of the fabric. Usually, I don’t use a hoop for Hardanger, but I did find it helpful for the fillings.

I have these great little 3inch/7.5cm diameter wooden hoops available. They’re just the right size for working a single motif. They have lovely smooth wood, and the screw has a slot for a screwdriver to get the hoop really tight. Available to ship around the world, from my website.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.

That does look very useful indeed!
Yes, they are!