Thanks.
Nursie76 - I'm by no means an expert but I use 2 layers of soft n sheer (Sulky) cut-away permanent stabilizer which I hoop. Then I make my marks and glue to the top of the hoop. With T-Shirts I pin the 4 corners too so it's not too stretched out, but holds. I use mostly rayon embroidery threads...have an assortment so I mix and match. If you are doing towels I recommend you hoop your stabilizer, then add the towel to the top like I do with the shirts, but add a layer of wash away stabilizer to the top...something to do with the terry cotton on the towels...it'll wash out after you're done.
I made towels last year and they were a HUGE hit :)
Would love to see when you're done.