Abstract: A spring-type embroidery hoop or knitting ring includes a plastic annular member with an interiorly-grooved surface, a spring-loaded member that fits securely with the free ends of said spring-loaded member projecting radially outwardly, and a locking member that restrains the free ends of the spring-loaded member from separating from one another more than a fixed spacing distance. A squeezing manipulation of the free ends causes them to be spaced from each other a distance less than the fixed spacing distance, while concomitantly reducing the circumferential dimension of the inner ring, so that the inner ring may be moved in or out of the groove in the outer ring in a controlled manner.