It depends on the machine. Some of the cheaper machines only stitch a 4 X 4 design. The better machines have larger hoops that can be used. My Bernina (1998) has a medium, and large hoop and I have stitched 5 X 7 designs in the large hoop, 8 x 10, which makes a great size for quilt blocks. I think the newer machines may even have a larger hoop, not sure what it would be used for. (?)