Multiple Hooping is the process of creating a large embroidery design by re-hooping the fabric as you embroider each section. Multiple Hooping is an art that requires a complete understanding of what you are doing, as well as an excellent ability for placing your fabric in the hoop. It is not a method that should be practiced by the timid. You can split designs for Multiple Hooping by creating your own hoop:
Suppose you have a design that is 9 inches high and 8 inches wide. Also, suppose that your machine will embroider a region 9 inches high and 6 inches wide. (These are typical values for today’s machines.) What you want to do is to create a two-position hoop to accomplish the split.
Therefore, create a hoop that is 9 inches high, with two positions. The separation should be set to allow the greatest possible overlap between the two regions: 8 inches (desired) - 6 inches (a single hoop width) = 2 inches.
A separation of 2” would be the smallest possible for the desired 8-inch width, and would provide the greatest overlap of the regions.
Note: The use of columns allows side-by-side multiple-position hoops. It’s a lot of embroidering, but it looks good and can easily fill a jacket back.
It is very important to mark your fabric before embroidering. When the fabric is re-hooped it must be parallel and centered to the first hooping. Also, the distance between the centers needs to be precise. (This is 2 inches in this example.)
If it is possible, we encourage the use of ‘Floating’ techniques for hooping: not actually hooping the material itself, but rather hooping a stabilizer and attaching the fabric to it with adhesive and/or a basting stitch. This will provide the least distortion in the fabric while the overlapped regions of the design are being embroidered. One easy method, if your material can handle it, is to use carpet tape (double-sided and very sticky) on the bottom of your tightened hoop. This can then be perfectly aligned and pressed into place. (The adhesive comes off with a lot of water-soluble solvents and even soapy water will usually work.)
Remember:
It is a really good idea to take a class on this type of process to get the hang of it, and practice before moving on to an actual project!