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When it comes to embroidering difficult-to-hoop products, few names are as respected in the industry as EMS HoopTech. For decades, EMS has been developing innovative framing and clamping solutions that help embroiderers tackle products that traditional hoops simply weren't designed for. From jacket backs and saddle pads to pockets, bags, caps, and blankets, EMS systems make it possible to embroider more products, reduce setup time, and improve consistency.
As one of the UK's leading suppliers of embroidery framing solutions, ETC Supplies stocks an extensive range of EMS HoopTech clamping systems, cap frames, replacement windows, and specialist embroidery accessories. This guide explains the EMS range and helps you choose the right system for your embroidery applications.
Why Choose EMS HoopTech?
EMS HoopTech products are designed around real embroidery production environments. Rather than forcing embroiderers into a single solution, EMS systems are built to be flexible. Many feature interchangeable windows, machine-specific mounting options, and specialist accessories that allow you to customise your setup around the products you sew every day.
Benefits include:
- Faster setup times
- Reduced fabric distortion
- No hoop burn marks
- Improved embroidery placement
- Greater versatility across product types
- Expandable systems that grow with your business
The EMS Slimline Series
Slimline 1
Best For:
- Knit caps
- Lunch bags
- Purses
- Christmas stockings
- Small bags
- Difficult-to-hoop finished products
The Slimline 1 is the lowest-profile clamping system available and offers nine interchangeable window sizes ranging from a 2" round window up to a 6" x 5" rectangular window. One of its biggest advantages is compatibility with many industrial embroidery machines as well as Brother PR Series and Baby Lock multi-needle machines.
The Slimline 1 has become a favourite among embroiderers thanks to its versatility and compact, low-profile design. It's particularly well-suited to small embroidery locations where traditional hoops can be difficult to use, while the low-profile chassis provides improved machine clearance during stitching. The ability to build a custom kit by selecting only the window sizes you need gives embroiderers greater flexibility, and additional windows can be added at any time as their product range and business continue to grow.
Slimline 2
Best For:
- Saddle pads
- Horse blankets
- Large towels
- Jacket backs
- Large bags
- Promotional products
The Slimline 2 offers larger sewing areas with seven interchangeable window sizes ranging from 6.5" x 6.5" up to 12" x 9". Designed for industrial embroidery environments, the Slimline 2 provides exceptional stability on larger products that can be difficult to frame using traditional hoops.
Embroiderers choose the Slimline 2 for its ability to handle larger and bulkier products with ease. The generous range of window sizes provides plenty of sewing area for items such as saddle pads, blankets, towels, and jacket backs, while the rail-mounted design ensures excellent stability throughout the embroidery process.
Its quick loading and unloading capabilities help improve productivity, and the interchangeable window system allows users to adapt the clamp to a wide variety of products without investing in multiple framing solutions.
Note: The Slimline 2 is not compatible with Brother PR or Baby Lock machines.
EMS ICTCS Clamping Systems
The Interchangeable Clamp Tubular Clamping System (ICTCS) remains one of EMS's most popular product ranges. These systems mount using standard hoop arms, making installation quick and familiar for most embroiderers. The standout feature is the single-lever design that opens, closes, and locks the clamp while automatically adjusting to different material thicknesses.
ICTCS 1
Best For:
- Pockets
- Sleeves
- Small bags
- Finished garments
- Caps and visors
- Difficult embroidery locations
The ICTCS 1 is designed for smaller embroidery areas where traditional hoops struggle and is popular because it combines simplicity with versatility. Installation is quick and straightforward, making it easy to switch between standard hoops and the clamp when needed. Users also appreciate the fast window changes, excellent visibility during setup, and the ability to securely hold products without leaving hoop burn marks, helping to achieve professional results on challenging items.
ICTCS 2
Best For:
- Sports bags
- Tote bags
- Computer bags
- Blankets
- Jacket backs
- Back-of-cap embroidery
The ICTCS 2 offers larger embroidery capabilities with seven interchangeable window sizesIt is particularly popular with embroiderers who regularly sew bags, outerwear, and larger promotional products. It is valued for its larger embroidery areas and exceptional stability when working with bulky or difficult-to-hoop products. The single-lever operation makes loading and unloading quick and efficient, helping to reduce setup times in busy production environments. Its ability to automatically accommodate different fabric thicknesses ensures a secure hold across a wide range of materials, making it a versatile choice for professional embroiderers.
ICTCS 3
Best For:
- Large jacket backs
- Horse blankets
- Saddle pads
- Sports holdalls
- Large promotional bags
- Oversized embroidery applications
The ICTCS 3 is the largest system in the ICTCS range, designed for embroiderers who need maximum sewing area and stability when working with oversized products. Its larger clamping windows make it ideal for applications where standard hoops and smaller clamps simply don't provide enough coverage. The ICTCS 3 allows embroiderers to confidently tackle large-format embroidery projects without compromising on stability or ease of use. Like the rest of the ICTCS range, it features the signature single-lever operation and automatic fabric thickness adjustment, making setup quick and straightforward. For businesses specialising in equestrian products, outerwear, blankets, and large bags, the ICTCS 3 provides the flexibility and sewing area needed to take on bigger jobs while maintaining professional embroidery quality.
EMS Accessories
One of the biggest advantages of investing in EMS is that the systems can grow with your business. ETC Supplies stocks a wide range of Replacement windows, adapter arms, machine-specific mounting brackets, framing gauges and more. This allows embroiderers to add capabilities without replacing their entire framing system.
As one of the UK's leading suppliers of embroidery framing solutions, ETC Supplies offers an extensive selection of EMS HoopTech products, accessories, replacement windows, and specialist framing solutions. Whether you're purchasing your first EMS system or expanding an existing setup, our team can help you choose the right solution for your machine, products, and embroidery goals. Explore the full EMS HoopTech range and discover why professional embroiderers around the world continue to trust EMS for their most challenging embroidery applications.