Top 5 Embroidery Hoop Stands
Finally — Stitching Without Hand Cramps!
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Do you struggle with hand cramps and sore wrists after stitching? If so, there is a solution - embroidery hoop stands! Hoop stands allow you to stitch freely, without needing to hold the hoop while you stitch. Finally - Stitching without hand cramps!
Not only is this better for your hands and fingers, stitching with a hoop stand allows more freedom for stitches that require both hands to execute (think bouillon stitch, stumpwork, and three-dimensional embroidery).
I’ve listed my top 5 favorite hoop stands, including the pros and cons for each. Keep reading to find out which hoop stand would benefit you and your stitching style the most!
Embroidery Hoop Stand Product Review
There are 3 groups of hoop stands that accommodate a hands-free hold. Ones that:
Rest on your lap or chair;
Attach to a tabletop; or
Rest on the floor.
Which style hoop holder you prefer is ultimately based on your individual stitching style. Think about how you typically stitch — Do you prefer stitching on the go, or do you snuggle with the cat on the couch? Do you typically work on small embroideries or larger ones?
To help you decide which stand is right for you, I’ve listed my top 5 choices below (in no particular order). Let me know in the comments your favorite place to stitch and which stand type you prefer!
1 –
Morgan Lap Stand
Perhaps the simplest option on the list, the Morgan lap stand is essentially 2 separate embroidery hoops that fit together via 3 connecting rods, which create a hoop “table” on your lap. The hoops are made from plastic, which makes them durable, portable, and lightweight. When assembled, the hoops are spaced 4.5 inches apart. Simply invert the lap stand to work with either size hoop.
Depending on the project sizes you typically work, there are several options available, including a 7”/10” combo, and a 5”/7” combo.
These stands are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, making them an excellent option for those who like to take their stitching on the go. This feature also allows for easier storage when not in use.
You can also use the hoops on their own, outside of the stand configuration. The Morgan hoops are made with a unique tongue and groove configuration that holds the fabric taught for long periods of time. I have found the Morgan hoops are the best hoop for keeping a tight hold. If you struggle with getting a drum-tight hold with your hoops, you can read more about that in my post here.
Pros
Lightweight
Great for travel
Can use the hoops individually when a stand is not required
Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble
Sturdy when put together
Holds fabric very tight over long periods of time
Cons
Can only work with the hoop sizes that come in the combo - cannot use other hoops with the stand
Not height adjustable
Only 4.5 inches of space between top hoop and bottom hoop - less room for your hands to work underneath the fabric
2 –
Elbesee Seat Frame
The Elbesee seat frame leaves your hands free, allowing for maximum comfort while you work on your project. The central post is adjustable in both angle and height. This frame works best with embroidery hoops, as opposed to q-snaps or scroll style frames.
The clamp holds your hoop tightly and allows for maximum versatility, as you can use it with virtually any size hoop (both in diameter and thickness). The wooden frame is sturdy and well made.
Pros
Can be used with virtually any embroidery hoop - It even works well with my 12” Morgan hoop, which is just shy of 0.75” thick!
Cons
At its maximum height it is still somewhat low for those with taller torsos - Max height at full extension is about 15” (For example, I am 5’8” and I would prefer an additional inch or two of height for max comfort)
Although possible, can be cumbersome to travel with - The base (the part that rests under your leg) is awkwardly shaped and cannot be removed from the main “stalk”
3 –
Sycooven Freestanding Tabletop Stand
This birch stand is well-made and its smooth surface protects your hands, is wear-resistant, and durable. The stand is intended to be used on a tabletop. The “legs” are height adjustable and can be rotated 180 degrees when using both sides together. You can also use one side alone if you prefer, in which case the leg can be rotated 360 degrees.
The stand is about 14.5” wide at the base and 9” tall (maximum height). It can accommodate hoops up to 11” in diameter, but the width of your hoop is quite limited. The base of the stand can hold your tools, if needed.
I recommend this stand for maximum stability and versatility if you prefer to sit on the couch or in a chair while stitching.
Pros
Very stable due to its wide, flat base (although I would recommend adding a few additional bumpers on the bottom to avoid the slight tipping that can occur when on a flat surface)
Can be used with a table or sitting directly on the lap
Cons
Possible to travel with, but not the most economical spacewise - The arms are removable but the base is quite wide (Dimensions are approximately 14.5 inches x 9.25 inches)
Can be a very tricky setup process to achieve the correct angle and width of the arms
Cannot hold hoops wider than a standard bamboo or beechwood hoop plus a thin layer of fabric (maximum of ⅜ inch thick) - Does not support Morgan or Clover hoops
4 –
Newmind Detachable Tabletop Stand
This detachable tabletop hoop holder is made to attach to the side of your tabletop via a screw-on assembly. The stand is made of beech wood and is easy to assemble and disassemble. The stand is relatively easy to carry, as the clamp portion is easily removed and reattached.
The stand is about 7.5 inches tall, with the clamp portion being slightly height-adjustable by about 3.5 inches (although the angle of the clamp itself is not adjustable, which limits its use). The thinnest table it can accommodate is ⅜ inch thick, while the thickest table it can accommodate is about 3 inches.
The stand can be rotated 360 degrees and its angle is adjustable. Per the description, the clamp will hold a maximum hoop thickness of 2.5 cm (0.98 inches). However, I felt it would not hold a hoop taller than about ⅞ inches. Suitable for both round and square hoops as well as frames.
Pros
Detachable and easily movable from one table to another
Accommodates many hoop shapes and sizes (including a Morgan hoop, which is about .75 inches thick)
Cons
Not sturdy from side to side - the assembly can swing if pulled too hard to the left or right
Construction is not super precise - the one I received has a slightly crooked “mouth” (the part that clamps onto the hoop); this does not seem to affect its hold on the hoop, however
May not be suitable for all table surfaces as it may mar or begin to wear grooves into some softer materials
5 –
Dynwave Floor Stand
According to the seller, the Dynwave floor stand is an adjustable beech wood stand that can accommodate hoops or frames up to 2.5 cm (0.98 inches) thick and hoop/frame diameters of up to 40 cm (15.75 inches). The adjustable arm can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for placement in any direction.
According to the product description, it is approximately 33 inches tall when fully assembled. It is height adjustable, with an additional 7.75 inches available (for a max height of 40.75 inches).
In full disclosure, I have not used this stand and have no personal experience as to how well it works. However, it looks well made and is also a much cheaper option than many other floor stands I have seen online.
Pros
Not restricted to sitting at a table; can be used in many areas of your house or room
Does not require resting on your lap
Cons
May not be tall enough for all chairs and setups
May not be very sturdy when using large or heavy hoops and frames
Not suitable for travel
Conclusion
As always, your choice as to which stand works best for you is a very personal one. Although my favorite hoop stand is the seat frame style, I will use some version of all of these stands at one time or another. The stands I’ve outlined in this post are all very affordable and as you begin your embroidery journey, you’ll most likely come to the same conclusion as I did - having one of each type of embroidery stand is ideal!
You never know when you might decide to take your embroidery on a car trip (in which case the seat or lap stands will serve you well), or you might decide to film yourself working on a project (where the tabletop version would be preferred).
If you’re a beginner and need help deciding which embroidery hoops you’d like to invest in, you can also read my post here for a comprehensive embroidery hoop overview.
