I don't think I ever hoop stabilizer and the article together..I've been machine emb'ing since early 90's and have 5 machines (tho one is being "sulky" right now). I normally hoop stabilizer and float my item, as Patrice does. Or I hoop the project and "float" the stabilizer under the hoop. This allows using up the scraps, as I can put the scrap where the design will go.