Maybe a dumb question and an easy fix, when I am using fasthoops with the sticky backing I am getting lots of thread breaks. it looks like the sticky stuff is getting on the needle and pulling and breaking the thread. How do I fix this. Sticky side up right ?

Scott

This always problem wtih sticky backing,because small sticky particles of backing are getting stuck inside needle hole and thread is getting "sanded"inside needle hole.
Only solution is to use liquid silicone oil and putt that silicone oil on the top of thread cone so that whole thread will become moist(wet).
Silicone oil is removing(cleaning) sticky particles of backing from the needle hole and is also stain proof,so you don't need to be warried that oil stains will remain on fabric(shirt or cap you are embroidering),You can also find Silicone oil in spray,that's also very helpfull.

I hope that this will help you.

i have heard that wax paper as a topping can help, I have not tried it but it was some old time embroders that told me.

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DR

Yes,thats true....but depends on wax paper.Sometimes wax remains at needle holes in fabric and leaves stains.

I heard of an embroiderer who collects soap from hotels/motels where's she stayed, then uses it for marking where she wants the pattern design and also running over the needle coating it so sticky backing won't adhere. She says it washes out and doen't leave any residue.

Has anyone tried this? Does it work?

Paws

How many embroidery shops use clamping hoops versus some sort of adhesive hooping?

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If you can afford them, clamping systems are the way to go.

Clamping hoops seems the most time consuming, with getting the hoop in the right spot. It seems to me the adhesive system allows for faster hooping. What is the downside to adhesive, outside of sticky needles?

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I feel that clamping is way faster the hoops, you dont have to fight with the material in the hoop and the edges are marked so you can center it more easily.

We just purchased some hoops that use adhesive (for use in tight spaces) so we will get some first-hand experiance.

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