Magnetic fabric retaining device

A fabric retaining device for holding an article to be embroidered in an automated embroidery machine, said device comprising:

• a first hooping member defining a first opening and having a plurality of holes formed therein;
• a support structure comprising a plurality of individual spaced apart magnets, said magnets being arranged to pass into at least one of said holes;
• a second hooping member defining a second opening and comprising a material to attract said magnets;
• whereby said article to be embroidered is retained by the magnetic attraction between said first and said second hooping members;
• and
• wherein said first hooping member comprises at least one mounting arm for attaching said device to the embroidery machine.

A fabric retaining device for holding an article to be embroidered in an embroidery machine, said device comprising:

• a first hooping member defining a first opening and having a plurality of holes formed therein;
• a support structure comprising a plurality of individual spaced apart magnets, said magnets being arranged to pass into at least one of said holes;
• a second hooping member defining a second opening and comprising a material to attract said magnets;
• whereby said article to be embroidered is retained by the magnetic attraction between said first and said second hooping members;
• wherein said first hooping member comprises means for attaching said device to the embroidery machine;
• and
• means for selectively positioning said support structure relative to said first hooping member, thereby preventing said support structure from being attracted to said second hooping member until an external force is applied to said support structure.