I always use water soluble stabilizer on both the back and front. I like to use a woven stabilizer on the back, because I want to wash out everything. You can hoop the towel if you open up the screw enough. I then do the basting stitch around the hoop.
I use the water soluble stabilizer that feels like plastic (Sulky) on top to keep the stitches from sinking into the towel. I also like to use fairly dense designs. Good luck...you can do this.
You might want to make a "test towel" with one of your old towels.