Originally Posted by Rose L

Get a new hoop. One of the ones that is a smooth stainless steel rod (bent into a circle) with the plastic outer hoop. You just place your fabric over the rod part and squeeze the little handles together, then slip the plastic circle over the fabric. They never rust and hold the fabric firmly. The old aluminum and wooden types just don't cut it anymore. The new style ones are very inexpensive. I love to embroider!