![which embroidery hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/pn-embroidery-hoop.jpg)
Are you wondering what is the best embroidery hoop for punch needle?
Some of you have asked me why you can’t just use a regular embroidery hoop when punching.
When punching, you need the fabric to be kept really tight, tight like the top of a drum.
You can probably get the weavers cloth tight in a regular embroidery hoop, but as you start punching and pushing on the fabric, the fabric will slip in the hoop and become saggy.
Watch the Video:
A regular embroidery hoop is smooth on the edges and doesn’t have any way to keep the fabric from slipping.
![Regular Embroidery Hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_9980.jpg)
A locking hoop has a lip all the way around the edge on one piece and a groove all the way around on the other piece.
![Lip on locking hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_9982.jpg)
![Groove on Locking hoop](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_9981.jpg)
The lip and groove fit together and help keep the fabric from slipping, making a non-slip hoop the best embroidery hoop for punch needle.
I recommend the Morgan non-slip hoops and lapstands for punch needle.
I do find that even with the non-slip hoop, I have to occasionally tighten the fabric again as I punch, but not too often.
If you want the fabric to stay tight the whole time you are punching, you will need a gripper strip frame.
Learn more about getting started punching with the Beginner’s Guide to Punch Needle.
![gripper frame](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_8327.jpg)
Blessings~
Amy
Be sure to pin this punch needle guide:
![Why can't I use a regular embroidery hoop?](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/emb.jpg)