Screws & nuts; The overlooked factor in machine embroidery

A well digitized design, correct stabilizer, proper stabilizing methods and quality fabric and thread are all keys to a great stitched embroidery design. But there is one very important factor that often gets overlooked - the hoop screw and nut. If all the above are achieved, but the screw or nut in your hoop is stripped or close to it, your design is not going to meet your expectations or meet disaster before it's finished stitching.

Like mine did last week.

With the constant tightening and loosening of that little hoop screw, it will get striped over time. If you reach a point where you tighten your hoop, but the screw keeps slipping or the inner hoop just never seems to tighten enough to keep your stabilizer taunt, check the screw and nut.

Many times either the screw or nut will be stripped, not both. Most commonly it is the nut. Slip a new nut on the screw, checking to be sure the threads are not stripped. If it is still slipping, then check the old nut with a new screw. Put the new screw or nut into the hoop and tighten with stabilizer to be sure your hoop is ready for stitching.

If you start stitching a design with a stripped screw or nut, the stabilizer and fabric is not going to be held tightly as the design is stitching. Not only will you end up with puckers galore in your fabric, you run the risk of the inner hoop popping out of the outer hoop and therefore - disaster!

Keep an eye on your hoop screw and nut. If you do lots of machine embroidery, you will need to change it every 6 months to 1 year. I keep extra screws and nuts on hand so when I notice my hoop not tightening my stabilizer as it should, I can insert a new set. With my hoops, I usually have to change my nut or screw (most often it is the nut) every 6 months. Ask your machine dealer for extra screws and nuts.

You may not have to change yours that often, but you will notice when your hoop starts to lose its tension. If your inner hoop is not securely inside the outer hoop, the best digitized designs, perfect stabilizers, greatest stabilizing methods and quality fabric and threads won't do you a bit of good!