I am running a Melco amaya Xt. i have successfully figured out the software and how to hoop simple item such as shirts. Now the tricky orders have started to be presented and im in need of guidance. i need to be able to "hoop" item such as a clutch purse, a hand bag, a backpack, a rain jacket hood, a pocket of a tshirt, and especially beanies. Of course these items will not be hooped in a standard 9 12 15 or 18 hoop. 

I have spent countless hours on youtube as well as google and the forums but i just dont have the right answer. 

 You need to get yourself a clamp for your machine. Check out Hoop Tech I have one and we use it all the time for all the things you listed, except I've never done a boot of any sort, so I can't speak on that. It's an investment you won't regret!!!

Thank you!! I actually just found a video on youtube showing one. I believe I will be ok purchasing the small one being the only large frame embroidery i plan on doing is large cloth bags or polo shirts. What do you think?

I think you must not forget to check out the Mighty Hoops. I know this will also be very helpful to you.

A set of fast frames would probably be a good investment for you. Fast frames are easy to work with and can be used for a variety of items such as bags, sleeves and hats. Personally I don't accept customer provided items because hooping can be tricky, I don't want to ruin anyone's personal item and its hard to charge for the extra involved when embroidering individual odd pieces. Many people love the clamps but you'll have to embroider a lot of items to justify that investment. 

As for pockets - most designs can't be embroidered on the pocket unless the pocket is removed for embroidery so I tell customers that the design must be placed over the pocket. Beanies can be easily hooped with a regular hoop. I use the HoopMaster sleeve arm to hoop them. It works great.

Thank you!! I actually just found a video on youtube showing one. I believe I will be ok purchasing the small one being the only large frame embroidery i plan on doing is large cloth bags or polo shirts. What do you think?

 

 

only have the small one...I haven't ran into too many times when I wanted a larger one. For a larger spot, check into the magnetic mighty hoops. And I hoped someone would be suggesting the fast frames... 

Good luck

The fast frames seem to be an easy alternative but i just dont see where having to clip the material to the frame would be better than simply clamping it in and stitching.

We use all of the above.

Its a pricey set of equipments, but over last two years they have all been used. The mighty hoops actually have become ours girls standard. We got a set of 5 and 7 for our 4 head.