Hi Forum - new to embroidery here! 
When setting the stabilizer on the fabric that needs embroidered, shall the stabilizer cover the whole hoop or just the area the design is embroidered in?

I think the whole hoop would provide better support, but I’m curious if just covering the design is enough?

I’m embroidering a design that’s 7x7 cm and my smallest hoop is 14x14 cm

Thank you for your time!

In most cases I believe it would give much better support if you cover the whole area with your stabilizer.

But as always, try - and you'll learn by experience what works best for you.