Frequently Asked Questions - Magna-Hoop Jumbo™
Q: I have been told not to get magnets near my computer or computer disks. Isn’t my embroidery machine a computer? Won’t magnets damage it?
A: The position of the magnets on the frame does not cause any damage to computerized embroidery machines. This has been thoroughly tested with no adverse effects. The metal frame absorbs the electromagnetic pull which, while strong enough for hooping, is not strong enough to go through this field. Most home embroidery machines do not have magnetic fields in the actual embroidery module itself.
Magnets can damage magnetic computer data, therefore, use caution. Do not put them in direct contact with diskettes, and memory sticks. Some design cards are susceptible as well. To be on the safe side, watch where you put your magnets! The manufacturer of the Magna-Hoop does not take responsibility for damaged diskettes, memory sticks, design cards or other media that is damaged due to user error.
Q: The acrylic frame is a bit smaller than the metal frame insert. Is something wrong with my Magna-Hoop?
A: No, that is a design feature. The acrylic frame must be smaller to accommodate fabrics without “scarring” them. The magnets will hold the frame securely to the metal insert.
Q: How do I know my design will fit in the frame space?
A: With Magna-Hoop Software, the design(s) may be automatically sized to fit the openings in any Magna-Hoop/Quick-Snap Product. Then, when the design is loaded into the machine for stitching, just center the needle over the opening, trace the design, and go.
To accomplish this task without Magna-Hoop Software, use a printed template and target sticker to determine placement. Move the needle to the starting position. Trace the design to make sure it fits, but always leave the presser foot up until you are sure the foot will clear the template.
When working with the round frame, the design may trace in a square. Even though the points of the square may not fit, the design might. Use a printed template, and make sure you have enough clearance for the presser foot.
Q: I usually use the smallest hoop for really small items, but I would rather use Magna-Hoop for speed in hooping. Won’t I be wasting a lot of money with the extra stabilizer required for the small commercial Magna-Hoop?
A: Instead of re-hooping stabilizer each time you remove a small item, patch the center of the stabilizer instead. Cover the hole with a piece of stabilizer, place the item, and cover with the appropriate acrylic frame. Magna-Hoop can actually reduce stabilizer expense.
Q: I am doing a long table runner with a continuous design; how do I save stabilizer expense in this application?
A: If you are using the large version of Magna-Hoop, it is not necessary to hoop the stabilizer itself. Apply the stabilizer directly to the item and hoop as one. As the design is sewn down the length of the runner, just remove the magnets and frame, adjust the runner, and put the magnets and frame back on. In this way, only the part of the item which needs stabilizer is stabilized. Not only is the amount of stabilizer required dramatically decreased; so is the amount of time needed for hooping.
Q: I want to use Magna-Hoop Jumbo for quilting, but there seems to be a bit of shifting so that my designs are not lining up properly. What am I doing wrong?
A: First of all, make sure that the quilt can move freely as it is embroidered. An easy way to test this is to trace the design; if you see it pull anywhere, correct it before stitching. Use all of the magnets and position them strategically around the acrylic frame.
We have found that there is more play in some of the hoops than in others. This is a manufacturing issue with the machine hoops that we obviously cannot control. So we, with the help of our customers, have improvised some solutions.
1. Put some gripping strips on the bottom of the metal base plate where it touches the actual hoop. The stretchy medical type tape (that is not sticky) also works well.
2. Use some of the tacky putty (used for hanging posters, etc. on walls) between the metal base plate and the hoop. It will hold it well and is easily removed with no residue. Just make sure the back of the hoop where it rests on the machine is clean so that it doesn't drag or mess up the surface of the machine.
