Frequently Asked Questions
Hoop Sizes & Common Uses
For optimum design registration, it is important to use a hoop that is closest to the size of the design.
This will help eliminate puckering as well as wasting other supplies such as backing or topping.
|
Size |
Common Uses |
Actual Sewing Area |
|
9cm |
cuffs, collars, pockets, hat sides |
8.1cm diameter (3 3/16") |
|
12cm |
hat backs, hat sides, smaller left chest |
11.2cm diameter (4 3/8") |
|
15cm |
most popular left chest size |
14.2cm diameter (5 5/8") |
|
18cm |
larger left chest, small jacket backs |
17.1cm diameter (6 3/4") |
|
15cm x 15cm |
tote bags, back packs, small jacket backs |
15.5cm (6") |
|
24cm x 24cm |
children's clothing, ideal for larger square designs that round hoops cannot accommodate |
23.2cm x 23.2cm (9.25" x 9.25") |
|
30cm x 15cm |
hoop may be used 30cm wide and 15cm deep or 15cm wide and 30cm deep, ideal for long narrow designs on bags, sleeves, pantlegs or shirt yokes |
30cm x 15cm (11 7/8" x 6") |
|
335mm x 329mm |
jacket backs, accommodates large designs, adult full fronts, widest double-height hoop on the market for popular 360 and 380 needle spacing |
29.5mm x 29.5mm (11 5/8" x 11 5/8") |
|
410mm x 300mm |
accommodates very large designs, double-height, ideal for the largest designs on jacket backs, blankets, flags, etc. |
29.5mm x 40mm (11 5/8" x 16") |
Needle Spacing Guide
How to determine needle spacing or sewing field:
Measure one of your current hoops from the tip of one metal stamping machine to the tip of the other. OR Measure the distance between arms on your tubular machines.
| Machine Brand | Needle Spacing | Conversion (approximate) |
| Tajima, Brother, Toyota | 360 mm | 14 inches |
| Happy | 360 mm | 14 inches |
| Happy | 500 mm | 19 1/2 inches |
| Barudan | 380 mm | 15 inches |
| Barudan | 520 mm | 20 1/4 inches |
| Melco | 400 mm | 15 1/2 inches |
| SWF | 360 mm | 14 inches |
| SWF | 400 mm | 15 1/2 inches |
| SWF | 450 mm | 17 1/2 inches |
| SWF | 500 mm | 19 1/2 inches |
| ZSK | 400 mm | 15 1/2 inches |
| ZSK | 495 mm | 19 1/2 inches |
Frame Care & Cleaning
How to Prep your Durkee Cap Frames and EZ Frames before usage:
- Prior to using your frames, apply a light coat of Orange Oil, Citrus Oil, Goo-Gone or similar product* to the back of the frame and wipe off. This leaves a very light film of the residue behind so the sticky backing releases easier.
- We recommend this treatment daily if you are stitching on a daily basis.
- *These products can be found at most home centers and hardware stores.
How to remove Sticky Backing adhesive from your frames:
- We recommend removing the Sticky Backing from the frame as soon as you complete your project. Remove the backing by pulling it off slowly. The longer the backing remains applied to the frame the tackier it becomes and the harder it is to remove.
- Take the excess backing you removed and make a ball with the sticky side facing out. Then dab the frame to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
- An alternate method is to use a sink and let the frame soak in the sink overnight with a small amount of dish detergent. Use only enough water to cover the bottom of the frame so that you do not damage the label on top of the frame.
- If excess residue still remains after trying the above techniques, you can use a PLASTIC paint scraper or PLASTIC scouring pad or Magic Eraser. NEVER use anything METAL to scrape the frames. Each fame has an anodized coating that seals the aluminum frame. You do not want to scratch your frame!
Cap Frames
How do I use a structured hat on the Durkee Cap Frame?
- Lay the hat down as flat as possible.
- Use plain white duct tape on the left and right sides of the cap to hold the cap to the frame.
- Continue on with tracing your design before stitching.
Sticky Backing
What type of Sticky Backing do you recommend for Durkee Hoops?
We recommend Film-O-Plast by Gunold USA for optimal performance.