Best Hat Embroidery Hoops and Cap Frames
The best hat embroidery hoops and cap frames include the YEQIN cap hoop insert for a Brother PE800 or SE600 owner, the Honeysew cap hoop for centering a design with a grid, and the Embroidex Brother cap hoop for SE270D and SE400 owners.
On this page (11 sections)
- How we picked these seven cap hoops
- The seven best hat embroidery hoops in detail
- How a cap hoop works with a home machine
- Cap setup step by step
- Which cap hoop matches your machine
- Four things to match before you buy
- What item size tells you
- What a cap hoop does not change
- Test on scrap before a real cap
- Stabilizer and safety for hat hoops
- Which hat embroidery hoop to buy
A cap hoop is an insert that clamps the bill of the cap and attaches to the outer hoop on your machine. Home Brother machines like the PE800 use a flat hoop, so a cap needs this extra part before it can be stitched.
This guide compares seven cap hoops, from Brother-specific inserts to universal hoops that fit several brands. Each card names the models it works with and the outer hoop it needs, since a hoop that fits one machine may not fit another.
Match your exact model and outer hoop before you buy.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
How we picked these seven cap hoops
We compared each hoop on the models it works with, the outer hoop it needs and its item size. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Model fit came first, since a named model list gives you something to match against your machine. Outer hoop needs came second, because some inserts need a matching Brother part and others clip onto a standard hoop.
Item size came last, since most of these hoops measure 4 x 4 in or 5.25 x 4.5 in.
| Product | Best for | Works with | Outer hoop | Item size | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YEQIN cap hoop insert | a Brother PE800 or SE600 owner | PE800, SE600, PE535 and others | SA443 or SA444 part for the PE800 | 4 x 4 in | 9.2 |
| Honeysew cap hoop | centering a design with a grid | SE270D, SE400, PE500, PE700, PE770 | 4 x 4 in frame system | 9.65 x 5.91 in | 8.9 |
| Embroidex Brother cap hoop | SE270D and SE400 owners | SE270D, HE-120, SE400 and more | Regular 4 x 4 in hoop | 4 x 4 in | 8.7 |
| Embroidex PE535 cap hoop | a PE535 or PE550D owner | PE535, PE550D, SE600 and others | Outer machine hoop | 4 x 4 in | 8.5 |
| Embroidex universal cap hoop | Babylock and Singer owners | Babylock, Singer, Janome, Bernina and more | Hoop larger than 5.25 x 4.5 in | 5.25 x 4.5 in | 8.2 |
| Sew Tech hat hoop insert | Janome Memory Craft owners | Janome Memory Craft and Elna models | Janome RE20B or Hoop B part | 11.81 x 4 in | 8.0 |
| YEQIN universal cap hoop | Bernina Deco and older Brother models | Brother 700 series, Bernina Deco, Simplicity SE2 and SE3 | Your own 4 x 4 in or larger hoop | 5.25 x 4.5 in | 7.8 |
The seven best hat embroidery hoops in detail
The YEQIN cap hoop insert scores highest because it's the only one here that names the PE800 and it covers a wide range of Brother models. The YEQIN universal hoop scores lowest because it leaves more to you, since the outer hoop isn't included.
YEQIN cap hoop insert
- Names the Brother PE800, SE600, PE535 and more
- Adjustable knobs clamp the bill
- Insert for a 4 x 4 in or larger outer hoop
- PE800 needs Brother's SA443 or SA444 outer hoop part
The only cap hoop in this guide that names the PE800, along with a wide range of other Brother models. Its adjustable knobs clamp the bill of the cap firmly.
Pros
- Names the PE800 and SE600
- Adjustable knobs hold the bill firmly
- Works with a 4 x 4 in or larger outer hoop
Cons
- Needs a separate Brother outer hoop part
- Two parts to match instead of one
The YEQIN cap hoop insert is the pick for a Brother PE800 or SE600. It's the only cap hoop here that names the PE800, and its adjustable knobs clamp the bill of the cap firmly.
Its model list also includes the PE535, PE770, SE270D and SE400, among others. It's an insert for a 4 x 4 in or larger outer hoop, so it works with an outer hoop part from Brother.
The catch is that outer hoop part. The PE800 needs the outer hoop part of Brother's SA443 or SA444 hoop, and the SE600 needs the SA432 or SA434 part, so you may be buying and matching two parts.
Its item size is 4 x 4 in, the same as the Embroidex Brother and PE535 hoops. No cap hoop here names the PE900.
Honeysew cap hoop
- Centering grid template
- Red center line
- Knob-type clamp
- Names Brother SE270D, SE400, PE500, PE700 and PE770
- Needs a 4 x 4 in frame system
A cap hoop with a centering grid that helps you find the middle of the cap. Honeysew says its clip-on design holds the brim and body of the hat flat while it stitches.
Pros
- Centering grid and transparent template
- Knob-type clamp needs no complicated tools
- Names several popular Brother 4 x 4 in models
Cons
- Needs a 4 x 4 in embroidery frame system
- Doesn't name the PE800 or PE900
The Honeysew cap hoop is the pick for centering a design on a cap. It's sold as an adjustable hat embroidery frame with a transparent positioning template and a red center line.
Honeysew says its clip-on structure holds the brim and body of the hat flat during stitching. It also says the grid helps prevent skewed or uneven placement, and that the knob-type clamp needs no complicated tools.
It names the SE270D, SE400, PE500, PE700, PE770 and LB6800, among other Brother 4 x 4 in machines. Its item size is 9.65 x 5.91 in.
The drawback is that it needs a 4 x 4 in embroidery frame system, and it doesn't name the PE800 or PE900.
Embroidex Brother cap hoop
- Clamps to a regular 4 x 4 in hoop
- Brother SE270D, HE-120, SE400 and more
- Thumbscrew clamp
- Cap stuck to adhesive stabilizer
A cap hoop that clamps to a regular 4 x 4 in hoop and holds the bill outside the embroidery frame. Its Brother model list is one of the longest in this guide.
Pros
- Long list of Brother models
- Clamps to a regular 4 x 4 in hoop
- Setup steps are spelled out
Cons
- Setup takes more steps than a flat hoop
- The cap has to lie flat against the stabilizer
The Embroidex Brother cap hoop for SE270D and SE400 owners clamps to a regular 4 x 4 in hoop and holds the bill of the cap outside the embroidery frame. It's the pick if your machine is one of the Brother models on its long list, including the SE270D, HE-120, SE400 and PE500.
Embroidex's setup steps include rotating the design a quarter turn clockwise, because the cap is hooped sideways. Embroidex says the cap is attached to the hoop with adhesive stabilizer, so that stabilizer is the base of the setup.
The drawback is the setup time, since the cap must lie flat and the sweatband must stay out of the way before you tighten the clamp.
Embroidex PE535 cap hoop
- Names PE535, PE550D, SE600 and more
- Thumbscrews clamp the visor
- Plastic body
- Seven-step setup
A plastic cap hoop with thumbscrews for a PE535, PE550D or SE600. Embroidex gives a clear seven-step process for the first cap.
Pros
- Thumbscrews clamp the visor
- Clear seven-step setup
- Names several Innov-is and Simplicity models
Cons
- Doesn't name the PE800 or PE900
- Needs your machine's outer hoop
The Embroidex PE535 cap hoop is the pick for PE535 and PE550D owners. It's a plastic hoop with thumbscrews that clamp the visor, and its model list includes the SE600, PE535, PE550D and PE600, along with several Innov-is and Simplicity machines.
Embroidex describes a seven-step process that starts with pulling the backing off the adhesive stabilizer and ends with a clockwise quarter turn for the design. The steps also name the buckram and sweatband as parts to pull back before you clamp.
Its item size is 4 x 4 in, and it clamps to the outer machine hoop on the side opposite the embroidery unit. The drawback is that the list doesn't name the PE800 or PE900, so owners of those machines need a different hoop.
Embroidex universal cap hoop
- Works with several brands
- Thumbscrew clamp
- Needs a hoop larger than 5.25 x 4.5 in
- Clear template with two holes
A universal cap hoop for several brands. It covers Babylock, Singer, Janome and Bernina models, and some of them need a larger hoop than others.
Pros
- Works with Babylock, Singer, Janome and Bernina
- Clear template with two holes
- Seven-step setup
Cons
- Sweatband has to be pulled back and taped or pinned
- Some models need a larger hoop
The Embroidex universal cap hoop is the pick for Babylock and Singer owners. It works across several brands, including Babylock Ellegante models, the Singer XL-150, the Janome 9500 and the Bernina BE170 and BE180.
Its frame is 5.25 x 4.5 in, and Embroidex says it works only with a hoop larger than that. Embroidex also notes that some models only work with a larger hoop, so match the hoop to your machine before you stitch.
The list also names Elna 8006 and 9006 models and Brother PE700 and PE770 models. The drawback is the sweatband, since Embroidex says to pull it back and tape or pin it so it isn't stitched to the cap.
Sew Tech hat hoop insert
- Metal insert
- Janome Memory Craft and Elna models
- Clear markings on the hoop
- Adjustable metal screw clamp
A metal hat hoop insert for Janome and Elna machines. Sew Tech says its adjustable metal screw clamps a wide range of fabric firmly.
Pros
- Metal construction
- Clear markings for reference
- Covers several Janome Memory Craft and Elna models
Cons
- Names only Janome and Elna models
- Needs the matching Janome outer hoop part
The Sew Tech hat hoop insert is the pick for Janome Memory Craft and Elna owners. It's a metal insert for Janome Memory Craft 500E, 550E, 400E and 9500 models, and for Elna 820 and 830 models.
It needs a matching Janome outer hoop part, either the RE20B or the Hoop B part depending on the model. Sew Tech says its adjustable metal screw clamps a wide range of fabric firmly, and that the clear markings on the hoop make reference points easy to see.
Sew Tech also says the insert can serve as a replacement or a spare hoop. The drawback is that it names only Janome and Elna models, so a Brother owner should look at the Brother-specific hoops instead.
YEQIN universal cap hoop
- Names Brother, Simplicity and Bernina models
- Fits a 4 x 4 in or larger hoop
- Item size 5.25 x 4.5 in
- Outer hoop not included
A universal cap hoop for older Brother and Bernina Deco machines. It needs an outer hoop you already have, since the outer hoop isn't included.
Pros
- Names several Brother 700 series models
- Works with Bernina Deco 500 and 600
- Simple 5.25 x 4.5 in size
Cons
- Outer hoop isn't included
- Less setup detail than the Embroidex hoops
The YEQIN universal cap hoop is the pick for Bernina Deco and older Brother models. It measures 5.25 x 4.5 in and is designed to work with a 4 x 4 in or larger hoop, which isn't included.
Its model list includes Brother 700, 750D, 770 and 780D machines, the PE100, PE150, PE200 and PE180, Simplicity SE2 and SE3, and Bernina Deco 500 and 600. If you already own a 4 x 4 in or larger hoop, this is a simple add-on to try caps.
It gives less setup detail than the Embroidex hoops, so lean on the model list and the outer hoop note. The drawback is that you'll need an outer hoop that already fits your machine, since none comes with the cap hoop.
How a cap hoop works with a home machine
A cap hoop holds the bill of the cap steady, so the needle can stitch the front of the cap. Most cap hoops attach to the outer hoop, and the outer hoop clips onto the embroidery arm of the machine.
For the standard hoop sizes these attachments use, see embroidery hoop sizes explained. Before you stitch, pull the sweatband back and tape it if needed, so the stitching doesn't catch it.
Matching a hat embroidery hoop to your model
Match your model number to the hoop's model list first, then match the outer hoop. The YEQIN insert needs a Brother outer hoop part, the Embroidex hoops clamp to your machine's outer hoop, and the Sew Tech insert needs a Janome part.
Buy the outer hoop part before the cap hoop, so the cap hoop doesn't wait on a missing piece.
Centering the cap
Mark the center of the design on the cap with a water-soluble pen, then line that mark up with the center line or grid on the hoop template. The Honeysew and Embroidex hoops include a clear template, which makes a first cap easier to center.
Cap setup step by step
Setting up a cap takes seven steps, and most of the care goes into keeping the sweatband and bill in place. These steps follow Embroidex's setup instructions for its cap hoops, so follow your own hoop maker's steps if they differ.
Pull the backing off the adhesive stabilizer, stick it to the bottom of the cap hoop, and wrap the edges if it won't hold.
Mark the center of the design on the cap with a water-soluble pen, then line up the marks with the template.
Loosen the visor clamp, slide the bill under it and center the area you plan to embroider.
Pull the sweatband and the buckram back before you tighten the thumbscrew.
Press the cap onto the stabilizer from the middle out, so it's as flat and smooth as you can make it.
Clamp the cap hoop to the outer hoop, on the side opposite the embroidery unit.
Attach the outer hoop to the machine, use the cursor keys to center the needle, and turn the design a quarter turn clockwise.
Embroidex says that cutting the buckram an inch or two where it's stitched to the bill lets you pull it back neatly. Forgetting the quarter turn leaves the design sideways on the cap, so set the rotation before you start.
Which cap hoop matches your machine
Brother owners have the most choices here, while Janome and Elna owners can use the Sew Tech insert or a universal hoop. The model list is what matters, so read each hoop's model names before you commit.
| Brother model | Cap hoops that name it |
|---|---|
| PE800 | YEQIN insert |
| PE900 | None of the seven |
| PE535 | YEQIN insert, Embroidex PE535 hoop |
| SE600 | YEQIN insert, Embroidex PE535 hoop |
| SE270D | YEQIN insert, Honeysew, Embroidex Brother and PE535 hoops |
| SE400 | YEQIN insert, Honeysew, Embroidex Brother and PE535 hoops |
| PE500 | Honeysew, Embroidex Brother and PE535 hoops |
| PE700 | YEQIN insert, Honeysew, Embroidex universal hoop |
| PE770 | YEQIN insert, Honeysew, Embroidex universal hoop, YEQIN universal hoop |
The table comes from the model names each hoop's maker gives. Confirm your exact model with the hoop maker before you order.
Brother home machines
The SE270D is named on four of the hoops here, and the PE800 appears only on the YEQIN insert. None of these hoops names the PE900.
For Brother's own machine details, see Brother. For more on the PE800 and PE900 and caps, read can a home embroidery machine stitch hats.
If your machine is still undecided, embroidery machines for beginners explains the machine types, and best embroidery machines for hats covers the machines these hoops attach to.
Reading a model list
Match the model name letter for letter, since a near match isn't a match. The lists name models such as the SE270D, PE535 and PE700, and a different model with a similar name may not fit.
If your model isn't named, check with the hoop maker before you buy. Honeysew says its hoop needs a 4 x 4 in frame system, and the Sew Tech insert needs a Janome outer hoop, so the outer hoop is part of the fit as well.
Janome and Elna owners
The Sew Tech insert fits Janome Memory Craft and Elna models, and the Embroidex universal hoop also covers several Janome and Elna machines. If you have a Janome 500E or an Elna 830, the Sew Tech insert names both and needs the RE20B part.
Use the Sew Tech insert if you have one of its named models, and use the universal hoop for other brands.
Four things to match before you buy
Check these four before you order, since a hoop that misses any one of them won't work with your machine.
- Your exact model number, such as PE800, SE270D or PE700.
- The outer hoop your machine uses, including any Brother SA-series part.
- The model list on the cap hoop.
- Any extra outer hoop part the cap hoop needs, such as a Janome part.
What item size tells you
Item size is the footprint of the hoop itself, and most of these hoops measure 4 x 4 in or 5.25 x 4.5 in. A 4 x 4 in insert clamps to a larger outer hoop, and Embroidex says its universal hoop needs a hoop larger than its own 5.25 x 4.5 in size.
The Sew Tech insert is the longest at 11.81 x 4 in, and the Honeysew measures 9.65 x 5.91 in. Size doesn't tell you whether a hoop fits your model, so the model list still decides the fit.
What a cap hoop does not change
A cap hoop doesn't turn a home machine into a cap machine. Home single-needle machines are flat-bed, so every color is still a manual thread change and each cap needs careful hooping.
If you plan to stitch caps in batches, a multi-needle machine with cap tools in the box may suit you better. The single-needle and multi-needle comparison explains the trade-offs.
Test on scrap before a real cap
Run a test cap from scrap fabric or a spare cap before you stitch a project you care about. Use the same stabilizer and hoop you'll use for the real cap, so the test reflects the real setup.
Write down the hoop model, the outer hoop part and the stabilizer that worked, so the next cap matches the setup that stitched cleanly.
Stabilizer and safety for hat hoops
A cap needs a stabilizer, and the cap should sit flat on it before you clamp. Embroidex's instructions use an adhesive stabilizer on the bottom of the hoop, and the cap is pressed onto it.
For fabric and stabilizer choices, see best stabilizer for knits, towels and hats. Keep stabilizer scraps away from pets.
Needles are sharp, so keep fingers clear of a running machine and unplug before you change a needle.
Which hat embroidery hoop to buy
Start with your exact model, then pick the hoop that names it.
- Pick the YEQIN insert if you have a Brother PE800 or SE600 and can buy its matching outer hoop part.
- Pick the Honeysew cap hoop if you want a centering grid and a Brother 4 x 4 in fit.
- Pick the Embroidex Brother cap hoop if you own an SE270D, HE-120, SE400 or PE500.
- Pick the Embroidex PE535 cap hoop if your machine is a PE535, PE550D or SE600.
- Pick the Embroidex universal hoop if you use Babylock, Singer or Bernina machines.
- Pick the Sew Tech insert if you have a Janome Memory Craft or Elna machine.
- Pick the YEQIN universal hoop if you have a Bernina Deco or an older Brother and already own a 4 x 4 in or larger hoop.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hat embroidery hoop?
The YEQIN cap hoop insert is our top pick, since it's the only one here that names the Brother PE800 and it covers a wide range of Brother models. It needs the outer hoop part from Brother's SA443 or SA444 hoop for the PE800, so check that part before you buy.
Will a universal cap hoop fit my Brother machine?
It can, if your exact model is on the hoop's list, as with the YEQIN universal hoop that names the Brother 700 series and the PE100, PE150 and PE200. Match your model to that list before you buy, since the outer hoop also has to fit your machine.
Do I need a separate outer hoop for a cap hoop?
Often, yes, and the part depends on your brand and model. The YEQIN insert needs a Brother outer hoop part, the Sew Tech insert needs a Janome part, and the YEQIN universal hoop needs a 4 x 4 in or larger hoop that you already own.
What is the difference between a cap hoop and a cap frame?
They are the same kind of accessory, and makers use the names cap hoop, cap frame and hat hoop for the same clamp. The model list and the outer hoop decide whether a cap hoop fits your machine, so the name matters less than the fit.
