It opens all the way across the bottom. I would turn it inside out, and as you suggested use a sticky stabilizer like Sulky Sticky+ or Sulky Fabri-Solvy. Hoop the sticky stabilizer with the release sheet right side up. Score the release sheet with a sticky slitting pen or a pin, and peel it away. Center and stick the wrong side of the pillow top to the hooped stabilizer. You will want to clip or pin the edges away from the embroidery. I would also baste the pillow top onto the stabilizer. This is one of those "unhoopables" that you do not want to walk away from during the embroidery. I also slow my machine down a lot when using these kinds of blanks. I've used these and I love them. Quick gifts. See full answer »