It is always easier when embroidering to embroider first then cut to size. that way you can use which ever hoop you want, you can put a large design on a fairly small square if you so desire; you have much more possibilities than if you start out with the limitations of a particular sized block. Also, if you embroider, say all 6x8 blocks using your 5x7 hoop and decide that you want these cut down to 6x6 or even a 4x4 there is no problem. It is difficult to embroider a a4x4 block .