The 5 Best Embroidery Tools Every Crafter Should Have in Their Arsenal
Must-Have Advanced Embroidery Tools for Serious Crafters
Embroidery has evolved far beyond traditional hoops and needles. If you’re looking to take your craft to the next level, investing in specialized tools can make a huge difference in precision, efficiency, and creativity. Below are some of the best embroidery tools that go beyond the basics, including the innovative 3D PuffPro tool for stunning raised designs.
1. Magnetic Snap Hoops
If you struggle with traditional embroidery hoops, magnetic snap hoops are a game-changer. These hoops use strong magnets to secure your fabric in place without the tugging, distortion, or hand strain caused by standard hoops. They’re especially useful for working with thick materials like denim, leather, and quilted fabrics. Simply snap the hoop in place and get started!
Snap hoops are also great if you’re running an embroidery business because you can very quickly re-hoop items and get back to making money.
2. 3D PuffPro Tool
For those who love 3D puff embroidery, the 3D PuffPro tool is an essential addition to your embroidery setup. This tool makes it easier to achieve clean, raised designs by ensuring proper cutting and application of the foam layer used in puff embroidery. It eliminates the guesswork and helps create crisp, professional-looking results on hats, jackets, and other thick materials. If you’re serious about embroidery, this tool is a must-have best embroidery tool.
3. Thread Tension Gauge
One of the most overlooked but vital tools for embroidery is a thread tension gauge. Maintaining the right thread tension ensures clean and even stitches, reducing the chances of breakage or looping. This small yet powerful tool helps you fine-tune your embroidery machine settings for different thread types and materials.
4. Heat-Away and Water-Soluble Topping Films
If you embroider on textured fabrics like towels or fleece, water-soluble or heat-away topping films prevent stitches from sinking into the fabric. These films help embroidery designs maintain sharp edges and fine details by keeping the top layer stabilized. Simply dissolve or remove the film after stitching for a clean finish.
5. Bobbin Tension Gauge
Bobbin tension is just as important as upper thread tension in machine embroidery. A bobbin tension gauge allows you to measure and adjust the tension precisely, preventing puckering and ensuring smooth stitches every time.

Barb, our resident quilter and embroidery aficionado, weaves a thread of creativity through our collection. Serving as the curator of machine embroidery content, Barb infuses each design with a touch of her artistic expertise. The free embroidery patterns you discover on our site often bear the mark of Barb’s craftsmanship. Let’s get crafting!