Finish what you stitched
A gathered hoop display
Check the chart corners against the hoop opening, allow cloth for the rim and gather the back before adding felt.
From stitches to a finished piece
Sleeping Fox · 14 count Aida
A gathered hoop display
Check the chart corners against the hoop opening, allow cloth for the rim and gather the back before adding felt.
- Whole chart
- 3.43 × 2.86 inIncludes the empty chart squares.
- Working cloth
- 9.50 × 9.00 inStart with this larger piece while stitching.
- Finishing trim
- 8.75 in diameterCut this only after stitching and all fit checks.
- Finished size
- 5.50 × 5.50 inRound hoop body; screw and hanger project beyond it.
- Backing
- 5.25 in diameterDry fit before attaching.
- All four chart corners fit the opening with at least 0.25 in radial clearance.
- The entered inner ring and outer hoop diameters have a consistent order.
- The 9.50 × 9.00 in working cloth contains the entire finishing trim line.
- Minimum clear opening
- 4.96 inWhole-chart diagonal 4.46 in + twice the 0.25 in radial margin.
- Measured clear opening
- 5.00 inMeasure the inner opening across its centre; a shop size is only a starting estimate.
- Hoop outside / rim depth
- 5.50 in / 0.38 inOutside diameter excludes the screw. Depth is the front-to-back height of the rim.
- Extra cloth beyond the outer hoop
- 1.63 inAllow 0.38 in over the rim plus 1.25 in to gather on the back, on every side.
Finishing supplies
- Completed Aida still on its full working cloth
- A measured round display hoop with inner and outer rings
- Felt, strong sewing thread, sharp needle, ruler and scissors
- A paper circle for a dry fit; optional ribbon tied securely around the screw bracket
These are measured-layout plans and original assembly diagrams. Fabric stretch, bulk, tape adhesion and the finished object have not been physically sample-tested. Make a paper dry fit and measure your actual supplies before cutting.
Diagrams are not full-size templates. Use the written dimensions and check any printer scale before tracing.
1. Measure the clear opening
Measure the inside of the inner ring across its centre. This chart needs at least 4.96 in: its whole-chart diagonal plus 0.25 in at both ends. Make a paper chart rectangle and centre it in the opening.
Check: All four corners have the planned clearance. A width-only test misses the corners.
Measure the clear opening · schematic, not to scale 2. Reserve cloth for the rim and back
Measure the assembled outside diameter (5.50 in here), inner-ring outside diameter (5.25 in), and rim depth (0.38 in). Beyond the outer hoop allow depth plus 1.25 in to gather: a total trim diameter of 8.75 in.
Check: The full circle fits inside the working cloth. If it does not, keep the cloth uncut and choose larger cloth or another finish.
Reserve cloth for the rim and back · schematic, not to scale 3. Centre and tighten the hoop
Put the inner ring below the fabric and the outer ring above it, screw at the top. Align the chart centre with the opening centre. Tighten gradually, keeping the fabric grain straight; recheck the front after every adjustment.
Check: The front is smooth, the chart is square and the border is even. Do this before cutting.
Centre and tighten the hoop · schematic, not to scale 4. Cut the circular allowance
With fit and centring confirmed, mark a circle 8.75 in across, centred on the hoop. Check the mark lies on cloth all the way around before cutting. Keep the entire 1.63 in beyond the outside rim.
Check: A strip of missing cloth cannot be replaced by pulling harder. Stop if any part of the circle falls off the fabric.
Cut the circular allowance · schematic, not to scale 5. Gather the fabric to the back
Turn the hoop over. Run a strong thread around the fabric edge about 6 mm in from the cut, with small running stitches. Pull evenly so the cloth folds over the rim and gathers inward. Check the front again, then knot the gathering thread securely.
Check: The gathered cloth sits inside the back. It does not pull the chart off centre.
Gather the fabric to the back · schematic, not to scale 6. Trace and fit the backing
Trace the outside of the actual inner ring on felt; the entered diameter is 5.25 in. Cut a paper test circle first, then felt. Lay it over the gathered back so the raw edges and gathering thread are covered.
Check: Adjust the felt to the hardware; do not cut away the Aida gathering allowance to make the felt fit.
Trace and fit the backing · schematic, not to scale 7. Sew felt to gathered cloth
Work a small whip stitch around the felt edge, catching the gathered cloth behind it. Keep the needle in the back layers so it does not pierce the displayed front. Use relaxed tension and bury the final knot and tail beneath the felt.
Check: The felt is secure all around and the front has no new needle marks or puckers.
Sew felt to gathered cloth · schematic, not to scale 8. Check the display and hanger
Inspect the centred front and covered back. Retighten the hoop only if it is loose. Use the hoop screw bracket or a securely tied ribbon as the hanger; check the chosen wall hook supports the hoop. Keep the work indoors and dry.
Check: The hoop remains secure under a gentle lift and the fabric has not slipped.
Check the display and hanger · schematic, not to scale
Technique references
The sizing rules and diagrams above are original to this planner. These sources describe the underlying finishing techniques.