I have used hoops almost exclusively to stitch. I do have a stretch bar and I use it once in a while. I use a 6" or 7". I like the new plastic ones much better than the wooden. They seem to have a "lip". If you are careful, you will not mar your stitching. Some stitchers use Q Snaps and they really like them. I think ECS sells them but not sure. I am sure other stitchers will give you some tips. Good luck. Pam

I use scroll frames of different sizes and would not go back to hoops. My frame sits on a lap stand and leaves both hands free for stitching😊

I called mine a stretch bar but is actually a scroll frame that I have to hold. Do you have to use any magnifiers? Right now I am having to and it is a royal pain. Pam

I use the 6 or 7 inch plastic hoops and have never had any damage from it. Been cross stitching over 40 years and tried different frames and always go back to hoops. Hope you have fun with your stitching.

Pam I went to my eye Dr with my cross stitch and bought a cheap pair of frames and he made me glasses to use just for my stitching. I really like them.

I use Q-Snaps for all my stitching projects to avoid hoop marks and with enough different lengths of Q-Snaps, I can pretty much make any size of Q-Snap I need.
I do believe that ECS sells Q-Snaps.
Oh, and I have had to move the Q-Snaps onto stitching, but if you purchase them, you need to carefully SLIDE the top clamp(s) off your work when you are ready to move the frame. I haven’t gotten any damage to the stitching from Q-Snaps except it might flatten the stitches which is only a temporary situation.

I use Q-Snaps for smaller projects and scroll frames for my larger ones. I never use hoops. As Bermuda said, get several sizes of Q-Snaps and you can mix and match them to make just about any size frame you need. They do not leave hoop marks, and neither do scroll frames. You will probably need a floor or table stand if you decide to go with scroll frames.

I use a 7 inch plastic and metal tension hoop on my projects no matter what size large or small. If it is one like 24 inches x 30 inches I roll the fabric and pin it with my large quilting pins so it doesn't get in my way. Done this for over 30 years and have no trouble nor has it ever left any marks on my fabric or the already done stitching.

Right now busy stitching and watching March Madness.

Same here. Isn't March Madness great? I like watching the women also. I wish I was as tall as some of the women. Might get me through the Walmart line faster! Oan