tutorial for velveteen blanket embroidery

Velveteen Blanket Embroidery Tutorial (Step-by-Step with Mighty Hoop)

May 1, 20250

Looking to embroider a thick, luxurious velveteen blanket with professional results? In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to hoop and stitch a blanket using the HoopMaster Station, Adjustable Fixture, and a 4.25×13” Horizontal Mighty Hoop. This method is perfect for thick or delicate materials and tubular embroidery machines.

🎥 Watch the full video tutorial below

Tools Used in This Tutorial

Step 1: Set Up Your HoopMaster Station

Set up your HoopMaster station

Start by adjusting the HoopMaster Station to lie flat (you can hoop at an angle, but flat is easier for thick fabrics like blankets).

  • Flip the station over.

  • Loosen the thumbscrews and wingnuts.

  • Push the legs down until flat.

  • Tighten everything back in place.

  • Flip the board right-side-up.

Place the Adjustable Fixture on the station. We positioned ours above the number “8” on the board for reference.

Step 2: Secure Your Mighty Hoop

Secure your MightyHoop

We’re using the 4.25×13” Horizontal Mighty Hoop, ideal for tubular embroidery machines. If you’re unsure whether it fits your machine, check our website or give us a call.

To install:

  1. Insert the bottom hoop ring into the lower fixture.

  2. Slide the top piece of the fixture down to hold it snugly.

  3. Open the magnetic flaps for hooping access.

Step 3: Choose the Right Stabilizers

Choose the correct stabilizers

We used:

  • Two layers of tearaway stabilizer (for stability and easy removal).

  • One layer of water-soluble stabilizer on top (prevents stitches from sinking into soft fabric).

Because the back of the blanket will be visible, tearaway gives a cleaner finish than cutaway on this thin material.

Step 4: Mark Your Design Placement

Mark your design placement

For accurate placement:

  1. Use placement dots to mark the center.

  2. Measure from the bottom of the rope design to the edge of the blanket (ours was ~11″).

  3. Place your center mark at around 5.5″, then adjust it to sit perfectly within the rope’s knot.

  4. Align this mark with the centerline of the station.

Step 5: Hooping the Blanket

Hooping the blanket

Once your stabilizers are clipped in:

  1. Pull the blanket onto the station.

  2. Align the placement mark with the station’s centerline.

  3. Feel for the Mighty Hoop’s inner ring to make sure it’s centered.

  4. Remove the dot and lay the water-soluble stabilizer over the hoop area.

  5. Press the top ring of the Mighty Hoop into place.

Step 6: Embroidering the Design

Embroidering the design

  • Mount the hooped blanket onto your machine.

  • Drape the rest of the blanket over a chair to relieve arm weight.

  • Flip your design 180° before stitching (since it’s hooped upside-down).

  • Always run a trace to ensure your design fits inside the hoop.

Step 7: Cleanup and Finishing Touches

Cleanup and final touches

Once embroidery is complete:

  • Remove the hoop from your machine.

  • Tear away the water-soluble stabilizer.

  • Use tweezers or steam to remove any small bits stuck between letters.

  • Tear away the stabilizer on the back.

  • Trim any loose threads.

And that’s it — your embroidered velveteen blanket is complete!

Whether you’re personalizing a gift or tackling a thick fabric project, the HoopMaster and Mighty Hoop system makes the hooping process fast, clean, and frustration-free. This tutorial featured a special gift for Captain Kate McCue, but the techniques apply to any embroidery project involving dense designs and soft materials.

🛳️ Going on a cruise? A custom embroidered blanket makes a fantastic gift!

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