Regarding the Magna Hoop
For quite some while, I had been reading on literally all Machine Embroidery forums/groups regarding the new invention by Great Notions dba Designs Magazine called Magna Hoop. According to the circulars and the website: http://www.magnahoop.com/ the gadget is excellent for all types of machine embroideries on items which cannot be hooped. Doing extensive research and talking with many friends (some who have purchased and some who are in sales) I found that the hoop is indeed a life saver for many who cannot imagine the use of regular home embroidery hoops on certain types of items such as dog collars, small coasters, silky type and or other fashion fabrics which when hooped would leave hoop marks etc.
The concept is based upon a plastic type template which fits on top of a metal frame inside a hoop size at least being 5×7, with a window opening of either 4×4, or 5×7 area (complete, circular and oblong) with four magnetic disks that hold down the plastic template on top of the “to be” embroidery item. There is a metal frame which itself is placed first and is the metal attraction for the magnets placed on top of the plastic template. This takes away the task of hooping the item. The magnetic disks are quite heavy therefore they will not budge from the continuous motion of the hoop in the embroidery machine neither will they allow the fabric or item to be embroidered to move. The various window openings allow the embroidery to be placed properly therefore one could do continuous embroidery using the opening as a guide. However, I did find this to be an area for concern in case the embroidery design itself is not centered properly in the machine, which would cause the needle to stitch through the plastic template.
As one who has never hooped anything ever to be embroidered I was a bit confused at first but upon more research and information I realised that the concept is indeed clever and quite unique. Why do I never hoop? Well, I only always hoop the stabilizer (as the Magna hoop also requires) and use it as the base to either pin, adhesive spray or baste using preset basting stitches to attach the item to be embroidered. I’ve used the method for several years and have never found the need to ever hoop anything necessary. The Magna hoop although quite an interesting gadget to be used for hooping yet in my own opinion is quite expensive. There are various prices being quoted…anywhere from $99 to $129.
Some friends had voiced concerns regarding the magnets being used on the embroidery machine. Well, the magnets are only used within the hoop and are not in contact with the machinery at any point. From what I have learned the magnets are also not very strong to affect the workings of the computer inside the machines so I really do not consider that aspect to be a concern. For someone who does not care to do the proper alignment and or pinning or basting an unhoopable item, I would strongly recommend the Magna hoop. For someone like me (LOL) it is an interesting but not necessary item, at least not now. I do think however, when the arthritis in my hands becomes quite advanced I may have to eat my words and purchase a Magna hoop as I do not think I would be able to use the pins then.
