Also wondering if i should be using a hoop or just holding it in my hand?
I have Friends who hoop and only know one lady who holds it without a hoop?
what is best for even stitching?
Using a hoop gives you the tension on the fabric that makes each stitch equal in tension. I tend to love using scroll rods because I feel it is kinder to my fabric and I don’t have worry about leaving any marks on my fabric and I have a larger area to work on at a time without having to move a hoop.