10 Beginner-Friendly In-the-Hoop Projects for Embroidery Enthusiasts

Introduction:

Ready to dip your toes into the world of in-the-hoop embroidery? We’ve put together a list of the ten easiest and most enjoyable in-the-hoop projects that are perfect for beginners like you! These designs are not only fun but also quick to make, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. And the best part? Each project comes with its unique charm, so you can choose the one that sparks your creativity! Let’s dive into the magic of in-the-hoop projects!

“This is such an easy and simple design to stitch out. I have ‘fur’ fabric that works great for it. Highly recommend if you are in need of a quick little gift!” — Mary P.

“Really nice pattern even for a total newbie like me. Perfect size for a toy!” — Efthimia

“Very easy to make, I used Minky. Directions were very easy to follow with great pictures.” — Chris S.

1. In the Hoop Honey Bear

This adorable plush bear is made in just two hoopings, making it an ideal project for beginners! With only a few supplies needed, you can create a sweet Honey Bear that’s perfect for our in-the-hoop Juno baby doll. The use of magnets allows Juno to hold Honey Bear’s hand or kiss his face—how precious is that? You’ll love how quickly this project comes together!

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (4″), 5×7 hoop (7″), 6×10 hoop (10″), 8×8 hoop (9″), 10×10 hoop (11″), 8×12 hoop (12″)
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Simple steps, minimal supplies, and a quick finish.

“The 3D Butterfly Alpha is without a doubt the most gorgeous design I’ve ever sewn.” — Judy R.

“The font and the vintage embroidery on the letter pair real well together for a great look.” — Cissy V.

“This design is so pretty! The YouTube tutorial walked me through all the steps, and it was easier than it looked.” — C.G.

2. 3D Butterfly Applique Embroidery Alphabet Font

This project is made in just two hoopings—one for the butterflies and another for the completed letter. It includes uppercase letters A-Z and numbers 1-9, each adorned with 4 beautiful butterflies. This project is a fast and easy way to add a bit of style to your crafting!

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (3-4″), 5×7 hoop (6-7″), 6×10 hoop (9-10″)
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Simple two-hoop process, fun design, great for learning multi-step projects.

“Very sweet, and extremely fast to do.” — Lynne W.

“This little bunny is very quick to make and will make a great baby gift.” — Janice L.

3. In the Hoop Chocolate Bunny Plushie

This adorable Chocolate Bunny plushie is an absolute breeze to make! It’s crafted in just one hooping and offers three different eye styles to customize the bunny. Perfect for a quick, fun project or as a delightful basket filler for Easter!

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (4″), 5×7 hoop (7″), 8×8 hoop (8″), 6×10 hoop (10″), 8×12 hoop (12″), 10×14 hoop (14″)
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Hoopings: 1
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Fast, easy, and customizable with multiple eye styles.

“Love that the facial features can be varied. Sweet little puppy!” — Claudette G.

“Clear and easy to follow. Just slow your machine down when stitching all the layers.” — Laurie W.

4. In the Hoop Fido Puppy Plushie

Create an adorable plush puppy right in the hoop! The Fido Puppy comes with cute features like a wagging tail and is made in just two hoopings. Perfect for anyone looking for a fun and relatively quick project.

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (4″), 5×7 hoop (7″), 6×10 hoop (10″), 8×8 hoop (8″), 8×12 hoop (12″)
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Straightforward design with easy-to-follow instructions and multiple customization options.

“This was so incredibly easy to make!” — Amanda

“So easy to make and adorable!” — Siti

5. In the Hoop Felix Kitty Plush

Felix Kitty is an adorable and simple project, ideal for beginners. Made entirely in the hoop, Felix is perfect for gifting or just keeping for yourself!

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (4″), 5×7 hoop (7″), 6×10 hoop (10″), 8×8 hoop (8″), 8×12 hoop (12″)
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Simple, fast, and offers multiple sizes to match your hoop limitations.

“Easy to make and a great way to use up scrap pieces of stabilizer.” — Angela

“Love this, easy to make and perfect for kids!” — Linda M.

6. In the Hoop Silly Snowballs Embroidery Design

Make your very own set of plush, throwable snowballs! These snowballs come in two sizes and feature 9 different expressions, made entirely in the hoop.

Sizes: 4×4 hoop (5″), 5×7 hoop (6″)
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Hoopings: 1
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Quick, fun, and easy with a PDF tutorial to guide you through.

“Very easy and quick to make, great for role play!” — Trena M.

“Perfect for babies, no middle seam, and stitches out perfectly!” — Crystal W.

7. In the Hoop Burp Cloths For Dolls and Babies

These burp cloths are great for both dolls and real babies! Made entirely in the hoop with no sewing machine needed, they come in various sizes and can be personalized with labels.

Sizes: Doll-sized and Baby-sized for 5×7, 6×10, 8×8, 8×12 hoops
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Hoopings: 2-3
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Simple construction, customizable options, and no sewing required.

“Fast and easy to make, instructions are super clear.” — Angela R.

8. In the Hoop Baby Teddy Plush

This simple baby bear is perfect as an accessory to other in-the-hoop dolls or for small children. Made entirely in the hoop, it’s quick and easy!

Sizes: 4×4 (4″), 5×7 (7″), 6×10 (10″), 8×8 (8″), 8×12 (12″)
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Quick assembly with easy-to-follow instructions.

“Great quick project, easy to put together.” — Karen M.

“Loved this design I left off the flower so I could make as a gift for a baby boy. Stitched out superbly” — Angela

“I love how this Fox chew toy stitched out. I actually made this for my granddaughter and added the crinkle paper inside to help stimulate her senses. Thank you again Planet Applique for such amazing designs.” — Rose C.

9. In the Hoop Fox Chew Toy

This fawn deer crinkle baby or puppy chew toy is made entirely in the hoop with two hoopings. Fast and easy, it’s perfect for little ones!

Sizes: 4″ to 8″ squares
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Hoopings: 2
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Simple, fast, and versatile for both boys and girls.

“Fun and easy to make, great for teacher gifts!” — Amanda

“Made 12 of these for my daughter’s 3rd Grade Class. Simple video / written instructions. Fun and easy to make.” — Carisa

“I just created a video showing me making this cute pencil case in the hoop!!” – Patty Anne View Her Video

10. Back to School Pencil Shaped Zipper Pouch

Make this adorable pencil-shaped zipper pouch in just one hooping! It’s perfect for storing all your little treasures and is available in five different sizes.

Sizes: 4×4 (Coin Purse), 5×7, 6×10, 8×10, 7×12
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Hoopings: 1
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners: Comes with a video tutorial to guide you through, perfect for all skill levels.

These beginner-friendly in-the-hoop projects are the perfect way to get started with machine embroidery. With easy steps, helpful tutorials, and so many fun designs to choose from, you’ll be creating adorable items in no time!