I took a class on it and we used needle turn method. We didn't use a hoop at all. The stitches are TINY however, just to warn you. I am on the fence about liking it however. To me it is slow going, very frustrating and inside corners make me want to gouge my eyes out. But at the same time, it is kind of fun and oddly relaxing, maybe because I feel all old fashioned and "handy". ehhehe