Behind the hoop
From sketch to stitch: how a hoop is made
Follow one of our Captain Jack hoops from a pencil line to the final thread.
By Harshit Soni · Published
Every piece we make starts the same way: with a blank piece of fabric and a pencil. Here is how one of our Captain Jack hoops came to life.
1. The sketch
We draw the character by hand first, adjusting the pose and expression until it feels right. For custom orders, this is the sketch we share with you for approval.
2. Tracing and outlining
The design is traced onto cotton-linen stretched in a wooden hoop. Then fine black backstitch gives the drawing its shape. This outline is what makes the character readable from across the room.
3. Colour, layer by layer
Colours are filled in one area at a time with satin and long-and-short stitches. Layering threads builds depth: the hat, the stripes and the tiny monkey all get their own texture.
4. The finishing touches
Skin tones, highlights and the smallest details come last. Then the back is tidied and the hoop is ready to hang.
Want to see it in motion? Scroll through the full journey on our Process page.