Needle punch stretch hoop

An embroidery method for reducing stress to the base fabric, the method comprising:

• stretching a base fabric over a fabric frame having
• a fabric frame opening,
• a top surface,
• a bottom surface,
• at least one pair of recesses formed in the top surface, and
• at least one pair of gripper strips disposed in the at least one pair of recesses;
• attaching a frame cover configured to mate with the fabric frame, wherein the frame cover comprises
• a frame cover opening corresponding in size and geometry to the fabric frame opening,
• an inner surface, and
• a plurality of engagement members adapted to releasably engage the bottom surface of the fabric frame;
• aligning the frame cover opening above the fabric frame opening and covering the at least one pair of gripper strips;
• and
• preventing the force generated by passing a needle and one or more threads through the base fabric to produce an image on the base fabric from at least partially disengaging the base fabric from the gripper strips.

An embroidery frame, comprising:

• at least one pair of gripper strips;
• a fabric frame having
• a fabric frame opening,
• a top surface,
• a bottom surface, and
• at least one pair of recesses formed in the top surface of the fabric frame, wherein the at least one pair of recesses are arranged across the fabric frame opening and configured to receive the at least one pair of gripper strips;
• a frame configured to mate with the fabric frame and having
• a frame cover opening corresponding in size and geometry to the fabric frame opening,
• an inner surface, and
• a plurality of engagement members extending inwardly and adapted to releasable engage the bottom surface of the fabric frame and align the frame cover opening above the fabric frame opening, wherein the inner surface of the frame cover runs substantially parallel to the top surface of the fabric frame, wherein engagement of the frame cover to the fabric frame results in the frame cover overlaying the at least one pair of gripper strips received by the at least one pair of recessed formed in the top surface of the fabric frame, wherein the at least one pair of gripper strips are adhered in the at least one pair of recesses.