How to Design an Embroidery Hoop Using 3D CAD Software

Learn How to Design an Embroidery Hoop using 3D CAD Software with the help of this article

How to Design an Embroidery Hoop using 3D CAD Software

An embroidery hoop is an essential tool for keeping fabric taut and steady while stitching, ensuring clean, precise embroidery work. While traditional hoops come in standard sizes and materials, designing your own opens the door to customization; adjusting the dimensions, grip, tension, and even aesthetic to suit your unique projects.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a fully functional embroidery hoop using SelfCAD, a browser-based 3D modeling program that’s both accessible and powerful. From creating the circular frames to engineering the tightening mechanism, we’ll walk through each part of the design process. You'll discover how to model components with precision, add structural reinforcements, and prepare the final model for 3D printing.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the skills to create a custom embroidery hoop that reflects both your craft and your creativity; ready to support your next stitching project with a tool you designed from scratch.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/512m5d1w1z46b2i2uf1r551o4t566v5wzxt5

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 5, vertical segments to 128

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click copy button to copy selected objects; Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 90, z to 90

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 4 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4(1) to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 5, depth to 10, position z to -48

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click on difference 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

Click on difference 2 to deselect

Click move on the toolbar; Set x to -10, z to -52

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to right, offset to 5

Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror

Click on mesh 8(1), difference 2 to select

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

From the generators category on the toolbar choose screw & nut generator; Set radius to 2, pitch to 1, segments to 150, rotations to 20, tip scale to 1, position x to -10, position z to -52, rotation z to 90

Tick the checkmark to finalize screw & nut generator

Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

Click move on the toolbar; Set x to 20

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

From the edit menu on the top toolbar click select all; Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 50

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 4, Bottom radius to 4, height to 5, position x to 20, position y to 48, position z to -52, rotation z to 90.

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click to activate edge selection; Click on the gear icon to open advanced selection tools; Set ring selection to true, custom pattern to true, Click on highlighted edge to select ring from the object

Click ‘x’ to close selection settings panel

Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 7, z to 7

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it, Click on screw 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click on union 1 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose union 2 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

Click on difference 3 to deselect

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click silver

Click ok

Click on difference 3 to select it. Click on union 2 to deselect

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click white

Click ok

Click on mesh 4(1) to select. Click on difference 3 to deselect

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click lavender

Click ok

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace.