do I need to use stabalizer when doing redwork or just hoop the fabric taut?

Depends on what you're doing, and how detailed the redwork is. Personally, on some heavier dish towels I did, not loopy ones, I starched and hooped. Sometimes, if it's not a fussy design, I've used tearaway, often I use water soluble like for free standing lace. That way you can wash it out, but it stabilizes for sewing. If your material is a thin cotton, you'll have to stabilize with something, or it won't work well. Good luck, hugs, Marji

How heavy is your fabric? If using a light weight cotton, soak the fabric with spray starch, wait for it to dry and press it, then hoop it without stabelizer. You can also use a starch made from scraps of WSS.