"To select the correct quilting hoop/frame, a quilter should measure the distance from the inside of the elbow to the second joint of the first finger or to the tip of your middle finger. I have seen both of these measurements quoted. These lengths are the largest diameter quilting hoops/frames that can be used comfortably, without causing shoulder or back pain. Each quilter should pick a hoop that seems most comfortable for the current project. The most purchased size is a 14" frame/hoop and the 16" comes in as a close second place purchase. Many quilters will often purchase several sizes of hoops/frames, including a little 12" travel frame for on-the-go projects or smaller projects. Adding other options such as a tilting base or one that can rotate will only add to your hand quilting experience. Larger 16" or 18" frames work best when used on my Floor Stand. The issues with weight and size can be overcome by using this style of base.
Now should I go with a traditional round or a square hoop? Hmmm? Why use a square hoop vs. a round hoop? Well, to start, a square hoop has a little more surface area in those four corners. For example, a 14" square hoop has the same surface area as a 16" round hoop. This means you don't have to move the fabric in and out of a hoop as much. Next, the square hoop can be used when quilting borders and blocks. You can secure three sides of your quilt equally and have the edge of the border running through the center of the hoop, and quilt all the way to the edge. When the block fits inside the hoop, it allows you to quilt one block at a time without moving the hoop as often.
Adding a finish to your purchase in my opinion is a smart move. By clear coating the item it will seal and protect the wood for years of use. Think of it as a small piece of prized furniture. Color choices are just for looks but add beauty to the item."
Posted by Janet G Green Thornton on 3rd Apr 2024
I love my quilt hoop. Very easy to move around compared to my old one.
The wood is very smooth and love the color.
It was worth the wait and the cost.
I ordered the bean bag and may order the base next year.
Posted by Susan LaBar on 16th Jul 2023
Worth every penny! The strength of the wood, the perfect fit of hoop rings, the smoothness of the finish, the comfort in my hands - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe this quilt hoop! It was totally worth the wait. I truly recognize that this quilt hoop was made especially for me! My only regret is that I didn’t buy one sooner! If you are in love with hand quilting d. o NOT hesitate to buy a Harry Barnett quilt hoop. You will use it for the rest of your quilting life!
Posted by isabell martin felker on 31st Jan 2022
I absolutely love this hoop. It's perfect size and weight I am amazed how light it is and how comfortable it is in my lap as I quilt. Craftmanship is beyond perfect excellent work :) Very pleased; the wait was so worth it :)
Posted by Robin Turner on 27th Dec 2021
I received my frame and excitedly opened it. I couldn't wait t try it out so put a cheater cloth/sandwich on it to try. I ordered the beanbag lap base to go with and it couldn't be more perfect! I was able to fit it 'just so' and angle perfectly for me to be most comfortable. It is not only practical, but beautifully made as well. Quality product all the way!
Posted by Cindy W. on 22nd Jun 2021
I received my 14 in hoop, sit on base and bean bag base. The craftsmanship is superior to anything I've ever had. I used a Grace square standing hoop for years. It was made of hard plastic and although it was nice the finger screw to tighten it was hard to use and it finally stripped.Couldn't get replacement parts.So started my journey to find something new. I've tried them all. Hate the round ones. This hoop makes everything easy! The magnetic base comes off easily and stays put when you need it to. Turns when you need to turn. I have the sit on base and the beanbag also. Both are a joy to work with. The wood is so smooth. Holds my quilt in place without slippage.Hands easily fir underneath. This was well worth every penny!Forewarning Harry I will be ordering the floor base soon! If your looking for a quality piece of art that will last a lifetime plus this is well worth the investment.You'll never have to purchase a substandard piece of essential equipment again. Thank you Harry for the quality craftsmanship you do.
Posted by Brenda on 3rd May 2021
I love my new Barnett quilting hoop. It is great to be able to use both hands and not have to hold the hoop with one and quilt with the other.
Posted by Nadine on 24th Nov 2020
I love my 14" square laptop hoop. I wanted to hand quilt but was struggling with the hand held round hoops. I had to fight the hoop while trying to quilt. This frame allowed me to reach under and quilt with ease.
I researched for hoops and found Barnett's square hoops. I am so glad I made this purchase. Plus, there is more quilting area with the square hoop vs the round hoop. Such beautiful, sturdy craftsmanship. Well worth the six-month wait.
Posted by Sharon Hicks on 27th Oct 2020
I have been hand quilting for about 5 years and have tried many different hoops and this is by far the best. It is easier to adjust and turn than the q-snap. The posts are less in the way than the Grace 2, and it is wider and therefore holds the fabric more evenly than the round Edmunds. The tightening bolt is easier to turn than the Edmunds too. I also like that it leaves my underneath hand free to better control the needle. I have been able to get smaller and more consistent stitches with this hoop. I wish I had not wasted money on all those others, but now that I am able to compare, I can say this is the best hoop I have tried.
Posted by Kennie McDowell on 19th Mar 2020
Received my 14" square frame on bean bag base and immediately put it to use. It is beautiful with a golden oak finish. It holds my quilt firmly and tightly, wrinkle free!
Posted by LW Metcalf on 23rd Jul 2018
I Waited four months for this 14" square hoop and it was well worth the wait. I have the bean bag base. It's easy to get my hands under and over the hoop and the swivel base allows me to turn the quilt around to get anywhere I need to stitch. The finish is very smooth and won't snag the fabric or thread. It's a beautiful piece of work. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a good lap hoop.
Posted by Kathy Schlenz on 6th Feb 2018
For years I've used inexpensive wooden and plastic hoops for hand quilting. I wasn't unhappy with them, but I couldn't help but feel that that quilting should be much easier. So I did my homework and decided the Barnett hoop was the best one available. I purchased a 14" hoop with the beanbag base. Oh, my gosh, what a difference! The hoop is finished beautifully and made with such care--no quick shortcuts here! It's as smooth as glass and comfortable to use, so I can quilt for much longer periods of time. Thank you, Harry! I am proud to own this amazing hoop and I foresee using it far into the future because it is made to last!
Posted by Susan Green on 20th Nov 2017
The 14" hoop I purchased is fantastic! Excellent workmanship and is wonderful to quilt with. I am really enjoying using a square hoop. It also arrived extremely well packaged.
Posted by Laurel Fremgen-Hamilton on 4th May 2017
I am thoroughly happy with my new 14" square hoop. I had been using one quite similar to this one for years, however, it got sat on (!) and there the inferior workmanship showed up. I do hope no one sits on this one, but if anything of the sort should happen, I'm sure that the sturdy design will withstand quite a bit.
The hoop is not only sturdy but also so wonderfully smooth and well finished that it is a joy to hold in your hand - no fear of splinters.
Before ordering I had a number of questions which Harry answered thoroughly and patiently, giving me good, honest, solid advice. Not only that, but he finished and sent the hoop exactly on time, so that I could pick it up at a friend's house during our trip to the US and bring it back to Germany on the plane with me.
I have only praise for this kind of "old-fashioned" workmanship and service. Thank you again very much!
Posted by Barbara Bagdonas on 26th Apr 2017
I am new to hand quilting and I am enjoying it even more than I thought I would. I purchased the 14" square lap hoop and I love the comfort, the portability versus using my floor frame. The craftsmanship of the hoop is superb. I liked being able to call and talk to Harry personally when I ordered my hoop. He was patient and thorough in answering my questions which really helped me decide which hoop was best for me. I am very pleased with my purchase!
Posted by Kathi Anderson on 18th Nov 2016
I have struggled off and on for years to become a hand quilter. It seems I fight everything about the process and end up with neck and shoulder strain. Giving my desire to be a hand quilter yet another chance I purchased a Barnett 14" square hoop and bean bag base. First of all what a beautiful wooden smooth hoop! Fabric adjusts into the hoop so nicely and then the joy of needle and thread through the layers of fabric begins. I am so glad I purchased the bean bag base as it cuts down on my stopping and starting and needing to manhandle the fabric as in previous times.
I'm so happy I took the plunge and bought this frame and bean bag.
Posted by Sarah S. on 14th Jun 2016
I began hand quilting as a teen in the 90's, and have owned a longarm machine, and a Grace floor frame for hand quilting, but always came back to the simple hoop. After 20 years using a plain round Amish hoop, I came across Harry's hoops, and realized that many of my small annoyances are solved by Harry's design.
First, these hoops are raised off your lap, which leaves a nice space between you and the quilt. This frees up the hand you place under the quilt and you don't have to constantly be fishing around to get your arm back in place to begin quilting.
Next, the square shape of the hoop I got is far superior to the round hoop I was using. The quilt stays in place much better, and it seems to distort the top less so that I'm getting a nicer end result. The wood is butter smooth and expertly put together. It's a piece you kind of want to leave in sight because it's pretty.
And lastly, this pertains to the bean bag base which I also ordered, the beanbag base allows me to quickly move the hoop in the direction I need to be quilting in next without all the struggling and fighting. I make bed sized quilts so it's important to me that I'm not fighting against all that fabric while I'm quilting, the beanbag base solves that issue.
Another great thing about it is that it puts the hoop at exactly the height I need it to quilt without back or neck strain. I tend to quilt with my feet tucked up under me or with my legs straight out on the couch, and the beanbag just scrunches and "poses" the quilt in the perfect ergonomic position for whatever way you want to sit. I move a lot too (don't want to get a blood clot from those marathon quilt sessions haha...) and it's easy to quickly adjust how the hoop is positioned.
If you're serious about hand quilting, this is your hoop!
Posted by marti mazak on 25th Dec 2015
The quality is amazing. Customer service is exemplary. I will recommend this company to everyone. Packaging and delivery was way beyond what is usual today. Have no qualms about doing business with this company. I will be ordering more in the very near future.
Posted by marti mazak on 25th Dec 2015
The quality is amazing. Customer service is exemplary. I will recommend this company to everyone. Packaging and delivery was way beyond what is usual today. Have no qualms about doing business with this company. I will be ordering more in the very near future.
Posted by Candice Harris on 7th Dec 2015
My lap hoop is so pretty. The hand crafting is superb. it is well worth the price, you do get what you pay for.
Posted by Victoria Webster on 22nd Dec 2014
This hoop is very well made and is easy to handle. I love the bean bag base that rotates easily. I am a beginning hand quilter and I am just getting used to the whole process. So far so good.
Posted by Lori L. McKinney on 11th Dec 2014
Just received my new hoop a couple of weeks ago. I am new to hand quilting, but have done embroidery and cross stitch for many years, and recently decided to try my hand at quilting. I have been struggling with a hand held hoop. Put my first quilt in the Barnett hoop yesterday, and cannot be more satisfied! The hoop itself is beautiful, and makes quilting an absolute breeze, taking all the stress off my shoulders and arms. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product to anyone looking for a quality, comfortable, quilting hoop.
Posted by Kathleen F. on 12th Nov 2014
Due to an injury to my arm, I was unable to use the large floor frame that I had used for the past 30 yrs.. After many hours of research I decided on the 14 inch square laptop hoop.. I was a little afraid to try it when it came, but I did,and I am so glad I CAN QUILT AGAIN! After 10 months not being able to quilt, I am now able to with the lap hoop. This hoop is so easy to use and the attention to detail is unbelievable. The hoop is sanded and finished just like fine furniture. You will not be sorry purchasing this hoop.
Posted by Lena on 7th Oct 2014
I love my new 14 inch square hoop and Sit - On stand. I have been using it about a month my stiches are smaller and more evenly spaced. Well worth the money.
This is quality workmanship the best I have found.
Posted by Unknown on 2nd May 2014
Absolutely thrilled with this purchase. Beautiful craftsmanship.
Posted by Jan Price on 17th Mar 2014
Wow I wish had heard about theses hoops years ago ! the fact that they free both hands makes quilting a complete joy. I have always loved hand quilting and using my new hoop has already improved both my stitching and posture as you can adjust the hoop to suit any position that you find comfortable.This is definitely the best frame I have ever bought and I will be recommending them to all my quilting friends.