Check out emblibrary for tips.
http://www.emblibrary.com/el/ELProjects/Default.aspx
Stabilizer depends on fabric. the stretchy including quilters cotton needs a cutaway. I would also choose a fusible product as it creates less puckering, and if extremely dense you might have to float extra tearaway under the hoop. Its hard to know what tips to offer without more info like what fabric and stabilizer you are using. Also don't pull the fabric tight when you hoop, that also creates distortion. I am currently taking a floriani event and it is very good for learning your stabilizers and what they can do