I keep everything from a moderate to pull away, to water soluble stabilizers. When using a hoop I like to use a lightly firm stabilizer that is ruler marked so I have it on the correct grain. If I am putting an embroidered piece on a shirt or skirt I want something that I can pull away and if I am making lace I want a water soluble stabilizer. This is something you will need to experiment with as you go. It is also nice to make samples before putting the pieces onto a garment or quilt. Those samples can be used at a later time for quilt blocks or even pieces for a crazy quilt to be appliqued onto something. Good luck with your new toy!