The embroidery hoop is an essential part of any stitcher's work basket. The hoop holds the fabric taunt to ensure that you are working well-formed embroidery stitches.
TIP: See the article on selecting an embroidery hoop for more information on hoops sizes and styles.
Here's how to load an evenweave fabric into a hoop. These directions apply to any size of shape of embroidery hoop, or any type of embroidery fabric, with the exception of a stiff canvas which should be mounted in stretcher bars instead of a hoop.