Embroidery Hoop Size Chart: Machine Hoops and Hand Hoops
Common machine embroidery hoops are 4 x 4 inches (100 x 100 mm), 5 x 7 inches (130 x 180 mm), 6 x 10 inches and 8 x 12 inches. For hand embroidery, choose a hoop 1 to 2 inches larger than the design, so a 5 inch design fits a 6 inch hoop.
What are the machine embroidery hoop sizes?
This table lists 10 standard machine hoop sizes in inches and millimeters with the projects each suits, and the usual first upgrade is from a 4 x 4 inch field to 5 x 7 inches (130 x 180 mm). To test a specific design against every hoop, use the embroidery hoop size calculator.
| Hoop (in) | mm | Typical projects | Example machines | Verified machines that fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 4 | 100 x 100 | Monograms, Patches and appliques, Small freestanding lace, Baby items and pockets | Brother SE700 | 26 |
| 5.5 x 5.5 | 140 x 140 | Quilt block motifs, Coasters, Medium monograms | Janome Memory Craft 500E (SQ14b hoop) | 18 |
| 5 x 7 | 130 x 180 | Tote bags, Towels, Shirt fronts, In-the-hoop zipper pouches | Brother PE800 | 20 |
| 5.5 x 7.9 | 140 x 200 | Towels, Bags, Larger applique | Janome Memory Craft 500E (RE20b hoop) | 16 |
| 6 x 10 | 160 x 260 | Jacket backs (small), Quilt blocks, Pillow fronts, Larger lettering | Brother Innov-is NQ1700E | 13 |
| 7.9 x 7.9 | 200 x 200 | Quilt blocks, Pillow fronts, Large square designs | Janome Memory Craft 400E, Janome Memory Craft 500E (SQ20b hoop) | 12 |
| 7.9 x 11 | 200 x 280 | Quilt blocks, Sweatshirt fronts, Large applique | Janome Memory Craft 500E (RE28b hoop) | 9 |
| 8 x 12 | 200 x 300 | Jacket backs, Large quilt blocks, Wall hangings, Commercial jobs | Brother PR680W (6-needle) | 7 |
| 9.5 x 14 | 240 x 360 | Jacket backs, Large quilt blocks, Multi-part designs without rehooping | Brother Stellaire Innov-is XE2 | 3 |
| 10 5/8 x 16 | 272 x 408 | Large wall art, Full jacket backs, Edge-to-edge quilt sections | Brother Luminaire Innov-is XP3 | 1 |
What field sizes do popular embroidery machines have?
These four machines run from the smallest embroidery field in our product data to the largest, and the field is the one specification that cannot be upgraded later: 4 x 4 inches covers monograms and patches, while 6 x 10 inches is where quilt blocks and jacket backs start to fit. Our best embroidery machines roundup compares the fields at each price.
| Product | Budget | Embroidery field | Needles | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brother Skitch PP1 | Under $500 | 4 x 4 in | 1 | Price |
 Brother SE1900 | Under $2,500 | 5 x 7 in | 1 | Price |
 Poolin EOC06 | Under $2,500 | 11 x 7.9 in | 1 | Price |
 Ricoma Swift 1501 | Under $10,000 | 20.5 x 13.8 in | 15 | Price |
What size hand embroidery hoop should you use?
Hand hoops come in 9 standard sizes, and because the rule is a hoop 1 to 2 inches larger than the design, a 6 inch hoop is the everyday size for beginner kits. The best hand embroidery hoops roundup covers the no-slip designs that grip fabric without leaving a ring.
| Hoop | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| 3 in | Tiny motifs, Ornaments, Framing mini pieces in the hoop |
| 4 in | Small motifs, Monograms, Framed mini embroidery, Kids first projects |
| 5 in | Small designs, Beginner kits, Clothing embellishment |
| 6 in | Most beginner embroidery kits, Everyday surface embroidery, Hoop art |
| 7 in | Medium designs, Hoop art, Punch needle (small) |
| 8 in | Medium to large designs, Tea towels, Pillowcase borders |
| 10 in | Large designs, Cross stitch on Aida, Punch needle |
| 12 in | Large embroidery, Hand quilting small projects, Wall hoop art |
| 14 in | Hand quilting (lap hoop), Large tapestry-style pieces |
- Choose a hoop 1 to 2 in larger than the design area so the stitching sits inside the ring.
- Remove work from the hoop between sessions to avoid hoop marks.
- Bind an inner wooden ring with cotton tape for better grip on slippery fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard machine embroidery hoop sizes?
The most common sizes are 4 x 4, 5 x 7, 6 x 10 and 8 x 12 inches. Janome also uses square and rectangular hoops such as 5.5 x 5.5 and 7.9 x 11 inches, and premium Brother machines reach 9.5 x 14 and 10 5/8 x 16 inches. Hoops are named by stitching area, not the frame size.
What size embroidery machine do I need?
For monograms, patches and baby items, a 4 x 4 inch field is enough. For towels, totes and shirt fronts, most people are happier with 5 x 7 inches. Quilt blocks, pillows and jacket backs need 6 x 10 inches or more. Buy for the biggest projects you expect, because the field cannot be upgraded later.
Can I use a bigger hoop on my embroidery machine?
Only up to the machine's maximum embroidery field. An aftermarket hoop can be easier to use or grip better, but it cannot make the machine stitch a larger area than its field. Some software splits large designs across multiple hoopings, which requires careful alignment.
What size hand embroidery hoop should I use?
Choose a hoop 1 to 2 in larger than the design area so the stitching sits inside the ring. Six inch hoops suit most beginner kits, 8 inch hoops handle medium designs, and 10 to 14 inch hoops or scroll frames suit large pieces and hand quilting. Remove work from the hoop between sessions to avoid hoop marks.
How do I convert hoop sizes from mm to inches?
Divide millimeters by 25.4. A 130 x 180 mm hoop is about 5.1 x 7.1 inches and is sold as 5 x 7. A 260 x 160 mm field, as on the bernette b70 and b79, is about 10.2 x 6.3 inches. Manufacturers round hoop names, so compare the mm figure when precision matters.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
