I've been doing machine embroidery since it became available for home use. I never hoop an item. I hoop the stabilizer, use 505 spray on the stabilizer, place my fabric on it and smooth it out. I place the hoop on the machine and do a basting stitch just around design area and then stitch my design. As long as the design is digitized correctly, it never fails. And I've done lots of embroidery!