Tensioning

Tensioning

Koma is a Japanese term for a square, wooden spool used to tension metal threads while making various forms of Japanese embroidery. The metal thread is wrapped around the middle of the spool. They are also sometimes used for floss silk threads that are wrapped around the middle of the spool.

A tambour frame is a rectangular embroidery frame on which cloth is stretched before being stitched with a tambour hook. In Europe, embroiderers also made use of round tambour hoops for stretching and tensioning the cloth, while in India, Iran and parts of Asia, the rectangular tambour frame has always been preferred.

A tambour hoop is a set of two circular frames on which cloth is stretched before stitching it with a tambour hook. One of the frames is slightly larger than the other. The ground material is stretched over the smaller of the two, and the larger is pressed over the cloth and (smaller) frame.