Well, you can use the sticky stabilizer or glue and the fabric will stay in place---but if your problem is that the hoop doesn't stay tight enough, the wrap some narrow strips of adhesive tape on the inside ends and sides of the hoop that goes on the outside. Personally, I think the sticky stabilizer holds the project quite well---especially good for those items that won't fit, are slippery, or too thick to hoop. Another suggestion I'd offer, is to hoop your stabilizer and then pin or baste the onesie on top. After reading your post again, I think your hoop needs the tape added. I used strips of sticky stabilizer on one of mine & left the paper attached. Been working real good for couple of yrs, at least. Good luck!