I just hoop my item and slide the stabilizer underneath. This was how I was taught by dealer when I got my first machine. It saves on stabilizer as you can use small pieces to put just under the design to be emb'd. Rarely do I hoop my stabilizer, unless I am doing a hoop project where there is fabric front and back to be trimmed--such as making coasters, mug rugs, patches, etc. If you have pieces too small to use, you can glue the edges together with Elmers school glue (watered down as for sandwiching quilts.