This message was posted by gcannon on AmayaUsers.com. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY VIA EMAIL. Instead, respond to the thread on the WEBSITE by clicking here: http://www.amayausers.com/boards/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/2/1281.html#000001 Lay flat for hooping- no stretch at all- after it is hooped, turn garment over & push down the ring part of the hoop thus tightening the backing & material, but not too much. As far as backing, I use 2 layers of 1.5 oz. cut-away. As far as needle- a 75/11 light ball is perfect. I know these are expensive, so I would try it on a scrap first, especially if customer goods. Good luck! =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================