QuiltnNan - Glad it helps! When I have a particularly large design to do I start with two layers of stabilizer in the hoop so I have less to float when reaching the stitch maximum for the stabilizer. Also, it really helps if those two layers run the opposite direction, sort of like grain on fabric. The recent thing I've learned is to use the built in basting stitches around the design. Sometimes it seems like a pain to remove the "knot" but overall it provides just one more support that helps keep my design from pulling!