Is this going to be a wall hanging or a bed quilt? If it's a wall hanging and you're not worried about stiffness, you could use a stabilizer. I like to use a product called Form Flex (or maybe it's Flex Form? I get it from my LQS and have found it at Joann's), you iron it on (permanent) and it gives some body to the fabric. It also hides the embroidery thread travels and tails so they don't show through to the front. I like the idea Deb gave about stitching through the batting, also.
Nothing says you can't use a hoop, especially if it makes it easier to embroider.
