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How to Easily Make Your Own Embroidery Hoop Orbs

by: Shannon Acheson posted on:
110 Comments
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I’ve always loved those charming wood or metal orbs you see in home décor stores or online. They have such a timeless, industrial vibe that fits beautifully in almost any space. But when I checked the price tags—yikes! Paying that much for something so simple didn’t sit well with me. So, I figured, why not make my own? That’s where these easy embroidery hoop orbs come in. These orbs are not only budget-friendly but also a breeze to make. I love how customizable they are—you can stain them to match your style or even leave them natural for a rustic look. They’re a perfect project for anyone who wants to add a touch of DIY charm to their home!

wooden orb made from emroidery hoops

If you’re looking for other affordable ways to create stylish décor, you might also enjoy my DIY Wood Bead Garland with Tassels & Tag tutorial—it’s another fun way to bring handmade warmth into your space!

How to Make Your Own Embroidery Hoop Orbs

Supplies You’ll Need:

(List contains affiliate links)

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

1. Disassemble the Hoops
Take apart each embroidery hoop by loosening the screws so you have separate rings.

2. Stain the Hoops
Use a lint-free rag or foam brush to apply the wood stain to all surfaces of each hoop. Be sure to cover them evenly and let them dry completely.Tip: If you’re new to staining, check out my How to Stain Wood guide for helpful tips!

3. Assemble the Orb
Once dry, slide the hoops together to form an orb shape. Tighten the screws as needed to hold everything securely in place.

4. Display and Enjoy
Find the perfect spot to show off your handiwork—on a shelf, as a centerpiece, or even on your patio!

FAQs

Can I use other materials to make these orbs?

Absolutely! While wooden embroidery hoops are classic, you can experiment with metal hoops or even paint the wooden ones for a pop of color.

Do I have to stain the wood?

Not at all! If you prefer a natural wood look or want to paint the hoops, go for it. This project is all about customizing to suit your style.

How sturdy are these orbs?

Once assembled and tightened, they’re quite sturdy for display purposes. However, handle them gently, as they’re lightweight and not meant for heavy-duty use.

Where can I find embroidery hoops?

Most craft stores carry them, or you can find affordable options online.

More Home Decor Crafts

wooden orb made from emroidery hoops

DIY Embroidery Hoop Orbs Tutorial

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $10 or less

Create stunning DIY embroidery hoop orbs in minutes! This easy and affordable project adds timeless charm to your home décor.

Materials

  • 2 embroidery hoops (per orb)
  • lint free rag or foam brush
  • Minwax Dark Walnut Stain (the marker version works well for this project!)

Instructions

    1. Disassemble the Hoops
      Take apart each embroidery hoop by loosening the screws so you have separate rings.
    2. Stain the Hoops
      Use a lint-free rag or foam brush to apply the wood stain to all surfaces of each hoop. Be sure to cover them evenly and let them dry completely.Tip: If you’re new to staining, check out my How to Stain Wood guide for helpful tips!
    3. Assemble the Orb
      Once dry, slide the hoops together to form an orb shape. Tighten the screws as needed to hold everything securely in place.
    4. Display and Enjoy
      Find the perfect spot to show off your handiwork—on a shelf, as a centerpiece, or even on your patio!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Shannon Acheson
Project Type: Home Decor Craft / Category: Crafts

Do you have any wooden embroidery hoops kicking around? How about some wood stain? You know where I’m going with this…why not make your own embroidery hoop orbs?

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110 Comments

  8. Shannon….that is brilliant! I love it! Pinned! Shared on FB! And as soon as I get my stuff out of storage….I’m making one!!! This is something I can afford….even if I didn’t have my mom’s old hoops in storage. 😉
    One big hug to you from me!!

    Reply

  10. I absolutely LOVE this idea! And… I already have all the supplies on hand to make a few. Thanks so much for the great idea! – Dez 😀

    Reply

  11. so clever! Thanks for sharing this is on my list of to do this week and a must share on my page! 🙂

    Reply

  20. Your embroidery “orbs” look fantastic, love how the stain makes them look all old/rustic. I have several embroidery hoops, usually pick them up when I see them at thrift stores for reasonable prices. Never know what I might want to do with them so try to be prepared having enuf. We live a few miles from anyplace to buy things like that so get some when I see them. Don’t want to have to go buy something to do projects I see on blog land. If I have go to stores I’ll be out of mood by time I get back home. I’ll be making this soon. Have to get some stain. Happy summer days

    Reply

  21. That is such a cool idea-I thought that was metal when I first saw it! Your vignette looks gorgeous too.

    If you have a minute to spare I’d be thrilled if you could pop by my blog and share your post at my weekly Say G’day linky party. It’s on right now and this would be a wonderful addition!

    Best wishes for a lovely week,
    Natasha in Oz

    Reply

  22. Ooh even I could do that! Thanks for sharing. Hello from the Creative Collection Link Party!

    Reply

  27. I love this idea! I have made these very same hoops and have them on my porch as “orbs” on my urns! I love the idea of staining them!!! Such an inexpensive alternative to those very expensive metal ones!!!~~Angela

    Reply

  28. Super cute. Love it. I thought about doing this along time ago but never got around to it. Would work great also for a DIY pendant light fixture.

    Reply

  30. omgee. I love it. Finally something I think I can do that I won’t destroy in the process. It’s great!

    Reply

  35. are you kidding me?? How clever! I finally scored and orb at Homegoods this week – who knew I could have made my own. Love it!

    Reply

  39. Sorry to trouble you what size were your hoops and where did you buy them. I live in Vancouver none at Michaels or various dollar stores on the West Coast. I presume you use 4 hoops per sphere? Many thanks

    Reply

    1. My hoops are about 5-6″ diameter. The wood ones are getting a little tougher to find as they seem to be being replaced by plastic ones. 🙁

  41. I made a bunch of these from larger sizes to wrap Christmas lights around, and then secured them to boulders in my front yard to make for a effect where they were just sitting on top of large boulders. I used cheap bailing wire to secure them on the boulders. I did not stain mine but rather sprayed them with red spray paint…which I do not recommend. All surfaces and sides do not get coated evenly so after the holidays I sold them on Craiglist altogether and they sold fast. If I had followed this plan above and stained them, then they might have been keepers. Do yourself a favor, take the time to stain them. You can find these hoops famous sewing and craft websites and stores in your town. There are two hoops in each package in case you’re wondering, so planning to make two five-ringed orbs would only take five packages. Or if you want four orbs with five rings, you need 10 packages. Only one of the pieces will actually have the hardware that tightens and separates, and one piece will be a solid ring that fits inside the slightly larger ring that tightens. I suggest making an orb out of similar sized rings such as the smaller ring of each package keep that with the other saller rings, and so forth. Reason being when you go to make the orb you will have slightly different sized rings and the orb won’t look round. These embroidery hoops are super cheap if you buy them with a coupon the craft stores usually have online or published. Just my experience. Cheers and good luck.

    Reply

    1. I tried making these and I bought a dark stain just like yours, but the Zar brand which I’ve had better luck with than MinWax. When I stained my hoops, they barely absorbed the stain and turned out a honey pine color! Any ideas why? I was so excited for this project and it didn’t turn out at all the way I was expecting. 🙁

    2. I honestly don’t know. I’ve only ever used Minwax and it worked just fine on the wood embroidery hoops.

    3. Okay, I will get some MinWax later on and try it with that brand, maybe it is just something about the type of wood they are made of. Thanks!

    1. Try to put the two inner rings together first, and then put the two hoops with screws on the outside. I got mine to stay together by tightening the screws pretty tight. However, I did find that smaller hoops were much tighter than bigger hoops.

  43. I made these with some friends, and we LOVE them! This is seriously a brilliant project. I’m a book lover, so I cut up some book pages into strips and Mod-Podged them onto two of the hoops. I painted the other 2 hoops, and they look fantastic. I will definitely be making more, and this time I’m going to try the stain! Thanks for sharing your great idea!

    Reply

  44. These are so adorable! I think I’m going to make some as my wedding centerpieces! i was actually worried about how the metal clasp would look but I really like it on the ones you made! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Thanks!

    xo Rachel

    Reply

  45. Had some iron barrel hoops lying around in the garden, the wood rotted away years ago. I was considering trashing them when I saw the embroidery hoops and, hey presto, giant orb garden decorations. Thanks for the idea.

    Reply

  47. Hello,

    I love these and am so excited to make them. I went to the big craft store, Michael’s, because that is all that my area has… They only have a thinner bamboo type embroidery hoop. I was wondering if you can share your source where you got these nicer wider ones. Also, I love the gold pin, the ones at Michael’s are silver.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. I always buy mine at Michaels. Although I’ve been a few times and they haven’t always had the same ones. Maybe try again? Or try Amazon?

  49. Love this idea! Can one of these embroidery hoop orbs be used to encase a light fixture for an entryway?

    Reply

    1. I don’t see why not! Just be careful that the stain is fully dry and that the electrical “guts” don’t touch the wooden hoops. 🙂

  51. I love the orbs and can’t wait to make mine. Did you have to seal the wood after staining it? Would other kinds of stain work just as well? I love yours!! I got my hoops at a garage sale. Yipee!!

    Reply

    1. Nah, we didn’t seal ours and they still look great! You could try other types of stain, but I can’t say if they’d work as we didn’t try. Way to find your hoops for a deal!

  52. Was searching for masculine colors to make the hoops for another design project and would have never thought to make orbs with the hoops. Brilliant!

    Reply

  57. This is a cute idea. I was also wondering about the little table displayed. Did you make or buy it?

    Reply

    1. We bought it years ago from a daily deal site called Homesav, that doesn’t seem to exist anymore. You could try Home Hardware or Joss and Main though?

  58. Omg….. I love your blog…. we have identical taste …. and I know what you think that is impossible and you are right… but we have a very similar taste … I am sure I will learn much from your blog we are of like minds … the blog will be a time saver for me … I am building a new home and excited beyond belief … it is unexpected to do this at retirement age … but it’s happening and I am thrilled about the newness of it all…. God is awesome …
    I will benefit for fresh ideas ,since I have been at decorating for a while…. I am born into the talent from my father and have used my knowledge to create a small business…. I love it and find it so rewarding helping other achieve a home they love and enjoy with others… you are my first blogger to follow and I am so blessed to find you …. thank you for all the new fresh ideas… hope to follow you and gain new knowledge….love Jeanne Coussan

    Reply

    1. Not at all impossible. I was just chatting with another friend last night about how similar her taste and mine are. She’s building a custom house and I can’t wait to see it! I’m so excited for you Jeanne! Sounds like you’re having a great time decorating! xo

  59. HI Shannon,
    I’m brand new to blogging about home (I have 5 post) and i’m researching similar blogs that I want to aspire to. I just found yours and I’m very excited. It’s not often that I come across a new idea and think “now that it brilliant!” I”m in love with the idea of using embroidery hoops to make orbs. How easy and it looks fantastic! If you have any tips for me I’d love to hear them. Love, love love! Also, I would love to share this article on my blog but i’m not exactly sure how that works. Any advise?
    Thanks,
    Dee

    Reply

    1. Hi Dee. Welcome! We have lots of blogging tips in our Blogging section. Unfortunately you can’t share other people’s blog posts on your blog, unless they’ve written them for you. Bloggers typically have a copyright policy – we do – that allows others to use one photo and a link back to the original post. You’ll go far in the blogging community if you don’t copy other’s work! All the best!

  60. This is such a great idea! I used two of my Grandmother’s hoops that must be at least eighty years old. Didn’t even bother to stain them, since the wood was already darkened (a bit) from age. Last year at our local rummage sale, I couldn’t resist forming two into an orb (smile). I just put mine out again because they look like fall to me. Thank you.

    Reply

  62. These are stunning, and even though I’m not crafty, I think I can make them. I love the simplicity of such a beautiful decoration. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply

  68. I love these orbs and would be perfect for lots of rooms. Your post has been featured on #omhgff and shared and tagged on Instagram and Pinned on Pinterest today. Please stop by and share again this week!
    Have a lovely weekend!

    Reply

  69. Hi, Shannon, I’m not a blogger, but always looking for great ideas! I have several wine barrel hoops and was wondering if you think it would be possible to do the same idea with??

    Reply

    1. Oh I’m sure you could! Those would be fun! If you try it, come back and tell us how it turned out!

  72. I recd link from Sadie Seasongoods – oh I just love this!!! I am doing this project! Thank you for sharing!!!!

    Reply