An improved embroidery hoop is provided. The hoop includes a closed outer loop having a receiving groove in an inner perimeter surface. The receiving groove cooperates with and receives a retaining loop according to a predetermined fit appropriate for holding a fabric workpiece. The outer loop is rigid while the inner retaining loop is sufficiently flexible to be fitted by hand in the receiving groove. The embroidery hoop may optionally include a pull tab for assisting a user in removing the retaining loop from the receiving groove. Moreover, the outer perimeter of the outer loop has a geometry that is arbitrary and independent of the geometry of the receiving groove and retaining loop. Accordingly, the outer loop may comprise fanciful designs.

An improved embroidery hoop is provided. The hoop includes a closed outer loop having a receiving groove in an inner perimeter surface. The receiving groove cooperates with and receives a retaining loop according to a predetermined fit appropriate for holding a fabric workpiece. The outer loop is rigid while the inner retaining loop is sufficiently flexible to be fitted by hand in the receiving groove. The embroidery hoop may optionally include a pull tab for assisting a user in removing the retaining loop from the receiving groove. Moreover, the outer perimeter of the outer loop has a geometry that is arbitrary and independent of the geometry of the receiving groove and retaining loop. Accordingly, the outer loop may comprise fanciful designs.