There are many many different hoops available to the embroidery sector. Hoops sizes are important because they dictate the size that your finished embroidery will be on the garment, and they can determine whether a particular garment is embroidery friendly in a specific location. Listed below you will find the different hoop sizes available at AQE. Also you will see the maximum sewing area associated with each different hoop.  

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 12cm Hoop:
 Commonly used for Small Left Chest, Sleeves, Cuffs, Cap Backs, Bag Designs

Hoop Size

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 15cm Hoop:
 Most commonly used for Standard Left Chest, Bag Designs

Hoop Size

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 18cm Hoop:
 Most commonly used for Large Left Chest, Large Bag Designs, Small Yoke Designs

Hoop Size

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 21cm Hoop:
 Most commonly used for Small Full Chest, Small Full Back, Yoke Designs

Hoop Size

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 24cm Hoop:
 Most commonly used for Full Chest, Full Back, Large Bag Designs

Hoop Size

Maximum Sewing Area

Tajima 30cm Hoop:
Most commonly used for Full Chest, Full Back, Jacket Backs

Question: Why is the maximum sewing area less than the hoop size?

Answer: The "pressure foot" or needle guard on the sewing machines must have clearance to avoid hitting the hoop. Therefore, the sewing area is less to allow for clearance on all sides of the design.

Note: Because of the shape of the most common hoop sizes,  this puts a constraint on the height of a design in respect to the width of the design.  For example: When using a design that is 3.5 inches wide X 3.5 inches tall a larger hoop size must be used than the Tajima 12cm because the needle would come into contact with the hoop at that height. This becomes important when a particular hoop must be used due to constraints with the garment such as bags.  If there is only one hoop size than can be used to embroider the garment it directly relates to the size and layout of a design that can be successfully imprinted on a garment.