How to "frame" your embroidery in a hoop

Here is the method that I used to give my embroidery I nice finished look in the hoop. After you are finished stitching your piece you'll want to trim off the excess fabric, leaving about an inch or two all the way around. Next gather your fabric on the back side of your hoop using a running stitch, like you see below...

Make sure you pull it nice and secure and tie off your thread. To cover the back I just pulled out some cute pieces of scrapbook paper I had on hand and hot glued it to the back of my hoop.