Tambour Hooks

This page gathers every tambour hook at Hobianna: the Nurge wooden-handle tambour hook and its spare needles. A tambour hook lays chain stitch from above the taut fabric with a fine hook; it works 5–10 times faster than stem stitch and also stitches rows of beads and sequins (the Lunéville technique). It is increasingly popular in modern embroidery for lettering, outlines and filling. The technique guide is in Tambour Hook under Embroidery, scroll frames in Embroidery Frames, needles in Needles.

How to Use It

Stretch the fabric drum-tight in a hoop or frame and hold the thread beneath; push the hook through from above, pull the thread up as a loop and pass the next loop through the previous one. The hook always faces the stitching direction. Use 1–2 strands of floss or pearl cotton No 12 with the fine needle and No 8 with the thick one; for beads, string them on the thread and feed from below. Organza and linen are good for practice, and the basic chain is learned in a few hours.