If you’ve ever tried to hoop a thick quilt sandwich or a slippery fabric, you know the pain:
You fight with the inner and outer rings, your fabric shifts, your fingers hurt, and in the end, you still risk hoop burn on your project.

This is where BERNINA magnetic hoops step in — and after spending real time testing them, I can confidently say they’re a true productivity tool, not just a fancy accessory.

Let’s dive into what they are, why they’re different, and how to get the most out of them.

1. What Exactly Is a BERNINA Magnetic Hoop?

Think of it as an upgrade to your embroidery hoop.
Instead of tightening a screw or ratchet, the top of the hoop is held in place with a series of powerful magnets.

The BERNINA version isn’t just “magnetic” — it’s engineered with:

• Evenly spaced, strong magnets that consistently grip the fabric.
  
  
• Recessed finger lifts so you can pop the hoop apart without pinching your skin.
  
  
• Durable, high-density plastic so the frame doesn’t warp over time.
  
  
• Anti-slip strips on the back so it stays stable on the table.
  
  

This combination means you get a secure hold, even on tricky projects, without the stress on your hands.

2. Why Magnetic Hoops Are A Real Upgrade?

Here’s what makes them such a big deal in real-world embroidery:

• Easier Hooping, Faster Set-Up - No more adjusting with inner/outer rings. You simply place your stabilizer and fabric on the bottom frame, drop the top frame in place, and the magnets click it together.

 

• Gentle on Fabrics - Because there’s no over-tightening, you dramatically reduce hoop burn on velvet, silk, minky, or terry cloth.

 

• Perfect for Bulky Layers - Quilting cotton + batting + backing? The magnets handle the thickness without distorting your fabric.

 

• Rectangular Embroidery Area - BERNINA’s magnetic hoops are rectangular — which means more usable stitch area compared to rounded hoops. If you do edge-to-edge quilting, you’ll really notice the difference.

 

• Reposition Without Re-Hooping - If your design isn’t quite centered, you can “shimmy” the fabric slightly without taking it apart — a time saver for multi-hoop layouts.

3. Sizes & Models Available

Currently, BERNINA offers three main sizes:

For most quilters, the medium or large is the sweet spot, but many serious embroiderers end up owning all three for maximum flexibility.

4. New Bernina Magnetic Hoops vs. Traditional Hoops

 

The only real downside? Magnetic hoops are not ideal for very heavy, large quilts — the weight can pull the project slightly.

The Magnetic Hoop Line-Up

1. BERNINA Large Magnetic Embroidery Hoop – 8.25" x 15.75"

If you’re quilting or working on oversized designs, this hoop’s generous 210 x 400 mm (8.25" x 15.75") area is a dream.

Best for:

• Quilts
  
  
• Jackets
  
  
• Table runners
  
  
• Leather or vinyl projects
  
  

Why you’ll love it:

• Effortless hooping — no clamps, no screws.
  
  
• Perfect for delicate fabrics like velvet and organza.
  
  
• Ideal for bulky or tubular items like coats and tote bags.
  
  
• Slide fabric easily for multi-section designs.
  
  

Status: PRE-ORDER — secure yours now if you want first dibs.

2. BERNINA Medium Magnetic Embroidery Hoop – 6.5” x 10.4”

Your go-to for mid-sized projects that need a gentle but firm grip.

Specs:

• 165 x 265 mm (6.5” x 10.4”) area
  
  
• Works with delicate and thick fabrics
  
  
• Perfect for clothing, décor, and accessories
  
  

Why it’s a workhorse:

• Gentle hold that avoids hoop marks
  
  
• Handles everything from chiffon to denim jackets
  
  
• Quick fabric repositioning
  
  

3. BERNINA Medium Border Magnetic Embroidery Hoop – 6.5" x 15.75"

For long, continuous designs—think quilt borders or table runner patterns—this one is a lifesaver.

Benefits:

• Magnetic hold means no fabric damage, even on specialty textiles
  
  
• Handles bulky projects easily
  
  
• Slide fabric smoothly for border repeats without fully re-hooping
  
  

Max area: 165 x 400 mm (6.5" x 15.75")

Clamp Hoops for Quilters

4. BERNINA Medium Border Clamp Embroidery Hoop – 8.5” x 16”

If you’re quilting and want absolute stability, clamp-style hoops are unbeatable.

Why quilters love it:

• Extended 215 × 405 mm (8.5” × 16”) embroidery area
  
  
• Secure hold for borders, large motifs, and pattern combinations
  
  
• Saves stabilizer and fabric with efficient clamping
  
  
• Comes with a clamp removal tool and placement template
  
  

Status: PRE-ORDER — worth grabbing early if you do large quilting projects.

Specialty Inserts: Embroider the Smallest Items

5. BERNINA Sock Hoop Inserts – Item No. 109267.70.00

Socks, baby items, and tiny accessories have always been tricky to embroider—until now.

Features:

• Works with the BERNINA Medium Embroidery Hoop
  
  
• Holds socks securely to prevent shifting
  
  
• Comes with two insert sizes:
  
  
• Mini: 1.3" x 1.6" (3.4 × 4.2 cm)
  
  
• Standard: 1.8" x 2.3" (4.6 × 6.0 cm)
  
  
• Perfect for monogramming baby socks, adding details to athletic socks, or personalizing small tubular items
  
  

Machine Compatibility

Many of these hoops work with a wide range of BERNINA machines, including:

• 9 Series:B 990
  
  
• 7 Series:  B 790 PRO, B 790 PLUS Crystal Edition, B 790 PLUS Special Edition, B 790 PLUS Anniversary Edition, B 790 PLUS, B 790, B 770 QE PRO, B 770 QE PLUS  Kaffe Edition, B 770 QE PLUS, B 770 QE SE Tula Pink, B 770 QE Anniversary Edition, B 770 QE E, B 770 QE, B 735 PRO, B 735 Patchwork Edition, B 735, B 720E, B 720, B 700 PRO, B 700 E

• Works with Embroidery Module L, Embroidery Module L (SDT), Embroidery Module XL (SDT)
  
  

Tip: 

If your machine is a few years old, it may need a firmware update so it recognizes the hoop.
You can download it from bernina.com or order a USB stick preloaded with the update from a dealer.

If you’re serious about embroidery — especially if you quilt or work with delicate fabrics — the BERNINA magnetic hoop is one of those upgrades that instantly improves your workflow.

It’s faster, more precise, and easier on your hands. And unlike many “must-have” gadgets, this one will earn its keep in your sewing room every week.

The only question left is:
Which size will you try first? Click Here to explore our full Hoops Collection.