You don’t need to be an avid embroiderer to appreciate the embroidery hoop. These locking, wooden spheres are actually insanely versatile, as you’ll see with these 20 clever ways to reuse them. You’ll never guess how chic you can get these hoops to look!
1. Embroidery Hoop Clock: This is such an easy way to create a totally customizable wall clock. Just order your favorite pair of clock hands (or five) and pick a fabric that complements the colors of your space. (via Brit + Co.)
2. Decorative Spheres: Looking for ways to fill up that empty mantle? Try your hand at making these decorative spheres. The dark wood finish dresses up the embroidery hoops so elegantly, but you could always paint ‘em a fun color so they stand out even more. (via Objective Home)
3. Color Block Cork Hoop Memo Boards: With such clean lines, bright colors, and bold color block patterns, it’s no wonder we’re swooning over these cork hoop memo boards. Hung in a trio, they’d add a welcome pop of color above any workspace. (via Paint Me Plaid)
4. Pin Cushion: Meet your new favorite sewing companion! Once you’ve cut out a cork base, simply stuff and cover your hoop with lovely lace. We’re nuts about how this blogger tacked it to the wall above her sewing station next to other upcycled hoops, like one that organizes thread spools. Pretty genius! (via Yellow Spool)
5. Hanging Plant Sculpture: Add some green to your space with this stunning floating embroidery hoop planter. There might be no better way to display short-rooted flowers or air plants, (well, except this way, of course). ;) (via What Else Michelle)
6. Dreamcatcher/Earring Caddy: Ward away bad vibes with these totally boho chic dreamcatchers. Dangling accessories take the place of traditional feathers to fully transform these webbed embroidery hoops. (via Brit + Co.)
7. Woven Coaster Tool: Still mulling over exactly how to upcycle that plain embroidery hoop? In the meantime, why not use it as a loom of sorts and weave a few of these coasters? Let’s face it, we could always use more colorful accents around the house! (via Kitteness)
8. Hanging Spider Webs: Here’s a last minute Halloween DIY for those slacking on haunted house decor: doily spider web hoops! Just place that lace in the embroidery hoop and don’t forget to glue on a creepy crawler! (via Tangarang)
9. Chalkboard Embroidery Hoop Signs: Did you know such a thing as chalkboard vinyl exists? The game done changed! What a cute “notepad” to have displayed on table settings, as name cards, or even on your kitchen counter to jot down to-dos. (via Hostess with the Mostess Blog)
10. Embroidery Hoop Hamper: Home hack! Let the embroidery hoop do what it was made to do with this domestic DIY. We love that this blogger used a pillowcase in place of a traditional laundry bag to create this little hamper. (via Making Nice in the Midwest)
11. Mesh Canopy: Feel like you’re lounging in a tropical resort with this embroidery hoop mesh canopy hanging above your bed. It also makes an amazingly whimsical addition to any kids room, as you can see. (via home. made.)
12. Veneer Pendant Light: This project really takes DIY lighting to the next level. Veneer edging is hot-glued to embroidery hoops to make the ultimate pendant light fit for any modern home or workspace—like Brit HQ! (via Shelterness)
13. Ribbon Chandelier: These ribbon chandeliers are a must-make for your next get together. Silky ribbon is looped over an embroidery hoop to create a dreamy decoration perfect for hanging from ceiling hooks, light fixtures, or even tree branches. (via A Kiss of Color)
14. Cake Stand: Don’t leave for your next picnic without this dainty little cake stand! Use your imagination and fill this serving tray with crackers, cookies, or any other fun finger food. You could even try making it with oil cloth so that the surface is more easily wipeable. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
15. Table Number: Even though this is by far the most traditional use of the embroidery hoop in this roundup, the simple design certainly would feel right at home at any contemporary formal event. Don’t feel like sewing? Try ironing on your numbers made from a contrasting fabric! (via Oh Lovely Day)
16. DIY Monogrammed Embroidery Hoops: This elegant monogram DIY would be an amazing wedding gift for a crafty couple. White felt initials look like they’re floating off the wall glued to thin, tulle netting—don’t forget to top it off with a preppy bow! (via Elizabeth Anne Designs)
17. Hanging Photo Display: We’re always looking for surprising ways to display photos, just like this hanging hoop display. Part mobile, part picture frame, it’s an incredibly playful way to show off your favorite snapshots. Plus, how cute are those mini clothespins? (via Natalme)
18. Elegant Wall Art: Can you believe that this chic wall art is made from painted embroidery hoops? You’ll need to break out a hacksaw for this wow-worthy transformation, but we think the minimal elbow grease is absolutely worth it. (via Simply Sarah)
19. Hoop Pendant Light: Achieve this airy and oh so modern pendant by expertly stacking the embroidery hoops and drilling a hole large enough for your cord to hang through. How illuminating! (via Dear Emmeline)
20. Catch and Toss: The 90s are alive at Brit + Co! So as you can imagine, we were pumped about making this iconic catch and toss out of Velcro and embroidery hoops. Notice the period accurate color combos? We mean business. :) (via Brit + Co.)
What unique ways have you repurposed embroidery hoops? Tell us about your projects in the comments below!