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FanBroidery Blog

How to: Multi-Hoop a Large Placemat

July 26, 2026

How to Multi-Hoop a Large Placemat

Don't have a large embroidery hoop? No problem!

Our Dinner Bundle designs are available in multiple hoop sizes, making it easy to stitch beautiful placemats on almost any embroidery machine. Depending on your hoop size, your placemat may be stitched in 2 or 4 hoopings.

This tutorial demonstrates a placemat stitched in 2 hoopings (two halves). The same alignment technique can be used for designs requiring 4 hoopings.

Materials Required

Placemat design files in your machine format
Printed PDF templates (Important: Print at Actual Size / 100%)
Front fabric
- Add 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) to all sides of the finished design size shown in the INFO file.
Back fabric or lining
- Add 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) to all sides.
Batting (wadding)
- Add approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) to all sides.
Cut-away stabilizer
- Enough for 2 or 4 hoopings, depending on your hoop size.
Embroidery thread
Sharp embroidery scissors
Temporary adhesive spray (optional)

Step 1 – Mark the Center

Using the printed PDF template, mark the center crosshairs as shown in the photo.

This gives you a visual reference for where the embroidery will stitch on your fabric.

Step 2 – Hoop Your Materials

Hoop the cut-away stabilizer.

Layer your materials in the following order:

Stabilizer
Batting
Front fabric

Since you are stitching only half of the placemat, position the fabric so there is enough fabric extending beyond the stitching area for the second hooping.

Step 3 – Stitch the Placement Stitch

Load the first design half and stitch the first color stop.

Step 4 – Embroider the Design

Continue stitching until you reach the second-last color stop.

Step 5 – Add the Lining

Turn the hoop over.

Position the lining fabric on the back and secure it using temporary adhesive spray if desired.

Step 6 – Secure the Lining

Stitch the next color stop.

This secures the lining to the embroidery.

Step 7 – Trim the Fabrics

Before stitching the final satin border:

Trim away the excess front fabric and lining close to the stitching.

Important:

Do not trim the fabric on the unfinished half of the placemat. You will need this extra fabric for the second hooping.

Step 8 – Prepare for the Satin Border

For the best professional finish, use matching embroidery thread in both the top and bobbin.

Step 9 – Stitch the Satin Border

Stitch the final satin outline.

Step 10 – Remove from the Hoop

Remove the embroidery from the hoop and trim away the excess stabilizer.

Step 11 – Prepare for the Second Hooping

Fold the lining away from the unfinished half of the placemat.

Secure it with pins or temporary adhesive spray to prevent it from being stitched accidentally.

Step 12 – Hoop the Stabilizer Again

Hoop a fresh piece of cut-away stabilizer.

Place the printed template inside the hoop to help visualize where the second half of the design will stitch.

Locate the center point.

Step 13 – Position the First Half

Place the embroidered section onto the hooped stabilizer.

Align the center marks on the fabric with the center marks on the printed template.

Secure the embroidery using temporary adhesive spray.

Step 14 – Stitch the Tack-Down Outline

The first color stop is a tack-down running stitch.

For this tutorial it was stitched in red to make it easier to see.

Reduce your machine speed.

As the tack-down stitches, you can gently adjust the fabric so the stitching aligns perfectly with the first embroidered half.

Once complete, the design is securely positioned for the remaining embroidery.

Step 15 – Stitch the Second Half

Continue stitching until you reach the second-last color stop.

Step 16 – Bring the Lining Through

Turn the hoop over.

Cut a small slit in the center of the stabilizer only.

Pull the lining fabric through the opening and smooth it into position.

Secure it with temporary adhesive spray or pins.

If using pins, always keep them well outside the embroidery area.

Step 17 – Secure the Lining

Stitch the next color stop to attach the lining.

Step 18 – Trim the Fabrics

Trim away the remaining excess front fabric and lining close to the stitching.

Step 19 – Stitch the Final Satin Border

Before stitching the satin outline, ensure your top and bobbin threads match.

Stitch the final satin border.

Step 20 – Finish Your Placemat

Remove the placemat from the hoop.

Trim away the remaining stabilizer. Remove the tack-down running stitch.

Your beautiful placemat is now complete!

Why stop at one? Stitch a matching set to keep for yourself or create a thoughtful handmade gift for someone special.

Helpful Tip

If this is your first multi-hoop project, we recommend using a stable woven fabric such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are less likely to stretch, making alignment between hoopings much easier.

Stretch fabrics, such as scuba knit, create beautiful loft and texture but require more careful handling to maintain perfect alignment.