8 × 8 in embroidery hoop (200 × 200 mm)
A square hoop with a 200 × 200 mm (about 8 × 8 in) stitch area. It is the usual choice for quilt blocks and square designs, but only on machines whose field is at least 200 mm both ways. Machines limited to 5 × 7 or 6 × 10 in cannot use it.
A 8 × 8 in hoop gives about 62 square inches of stitch area: 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm). 9 machines in our guide can stitch this size in one hooping.
What fits in a 8 × 8 in hoop
- Quilt-block designs up to about 7.7 in (195 mm) square
- Pillowcase and cushion-cover motifs up to about 7.7 in (195 mm) square
- Large single motifs for wall hangings and framed pieces
- Square wreath, crest and monogram designs up to about 7.7 in (195 mm)
- Round designs up to about 7.7 in (195 mm) across
Needs a bigger hoop
- Jacket backs and full-front designs taller than about 8 in (200 mm)
- Banner or border designs wider than about 8 in (200 mm)
- 9 in (229 mm) quilt blocks
- Long names or slogans that need a rectangular hoop such as 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm)
Good to know: Makers agree on this size. Baby Lock's EF91 hoop, the Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff quilter's hoops and Janome's SQ20b are all 200 × 200 mm, and Embird lists a Brother square hoop at the same size. Eight inches is 203.2 mm, so the metric figure is the one to trust. The field is square, so rotating a design never helps. The machine's maximum area must be at least 200 mm in both directions. A 5 × 7 in or 6 × 10 in machine does not have the travel, even with the hoop attached. Check the hoop's compatibility list: Baby Lock lists the EF91 for models such as the Altair, Solaris and Meridian, and a Janome parts retailer lists the SQ20b for the Memory Craft 400E and 500E. Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff both sell 200 × 200 mm quilter's hoops, and Pfaff calls its hoop a good size for 8 in quilt blocks. Viking's version is a metal magnetic hoop that uses eight magnets instead of an inner ring.
Machines that can stitch a 8 × 8 in design
Machines whose largest field is 8 × 8 in
| Machine | Type | Formats | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother PRS100 | Embroidery only | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN | $3,999–$4,499 |
| Janome Memory Craft 400E | Embroidery only | .JEF | $1,399–$1,699 |
Machines with a bigger field (also fit 8 × 8 in designs)
| Machine | Field | Type | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janome MB-4S | 9.5 × 8 in | Multi-needle | $4,999 |
| Janome Memory Craft 500E | 11 × 8 in | Embroidery only | $2,099–$2,399 |
| Brother PR680W | 12 × 8 in | Multi-needle | $12,999–$13,629 |
| Baby Lock Array | 12 × 8 in | Multi-needle | $13,249–$14,574 |
| Brother PR1055X | 14 × 8 in | Multi-needle | — |
| Janome Memory Craft 550E | 14 × 8 in | Embroidery only | $2,899–$3,499 |
| Brother Stellaire XE2 | 9.5 × 14 in | Embroidery only | $8,449–$8,500 |
Frequently asked questions
What is an 8x8 embroidery hoop used for?
Mostly quilt blocks, square designs, pillowcases and wall hangings. Pfaff's own page calls its 200 × 200 mm hoop a good size for 8 in quilt blocks.
Is 8x8 the same as 200 × 200 mm?
Makers quote it as 200 × 200 mm. Eight inches is 203.2 mm, so the metric figure is a slightly smaller, rounded stitch area. Use the millimeter size when you check a design.
Will an 8x8 hoop fit my machine?
Only if the machine's maximum embroidery area is at least 200 × 200 mm. A 5 × 7 in or 6 × 10 in machine cannot use it. Check the hoop's compatibility list, such as Baby Lock's list for the EF91.
Is there a magnetic 8x8 hoop?
Husqvarna Viking sells a 200 × 200 mm quilter's metal hoop that uses eight magnets instead of an inner ring. It is listed for the Designer Epic range and the Designer Ruby 90. For third-party magnetic hoops, check that the model is listed for your machine.