How to Finish the Back of an Embroidery Hoop With a Running Stitch

Everyone has a preferred way of finishing the back of their hoops. The one below is a basic technique using a running stitch that doesn’t require any additional materials, but you should explore the many options to find what works best for you.

1. If you haven’t already trimmed your excess fabric prior to stitching, trim it leaving at least 1/2” to 1” around the hoop.

A finished embroidery hoop laying on a white background face-down so you can see the back of the stitches

2. Use six strands of thread that matches or contrasts with your fabric (personal preference). Thread your needle and make a knot at the end.

Someone holding the end of white thread showing how there is a knot at the end.

3. Pick a point to start, about 1/4” from the edge of the fabric. Make your first stitch coming up from inner side of the fabric.

A needle halfway through the raw edge of the fabric at the back of a finished embroidery hoop, demonstrating how to do a running stitch.

4. Go back through the fabric about 1/2” from your starting point. Continue weaving the needle back and forth to create a running stitch. You don’t need to pull the thread tight at this point.

A needle showing how to continue forming a running stitch to finish the back of an embroidery hoop

5. Once you have reached the start, pull the thread firmly so the fabric gathers and lays flat.

A needle halfway through fabric demonstrating how to make a running stitch

6. Secure the end of the thread with a few knots and you are done!

An embroidery hoop on a white background, showing the completed running stitch that has secured the edges of the fabric at the back.