I find I need to be a bit generous with the stabilizer and fabric when I am hooping for my 6 needle. The hoop needs enough to grab and hold onto. So no skimping. And be sure the hoop is tight enough to hold onto the stabilizer and fabric. I also use the smallest hoop to fit the design. There is support where the machine is stitching and that seems to be all the support it needs for the most part. Don't be afraid. Dive in and take the project one step at a time.

I don't have a multi-needle, but on my single needle, I find it very helpful to tape (I use blue masking tape) to hold the material on the underside of the hope. It comes off easily, even if sewn through.

I wish I had a multi needle machine. Did you not keep one of your old Bernina machines to sew with? Kay

Interesting question which I cant answer. I have only stitched one in the hoop design out that I can remember and it was a couple of years ago. I must try again when there is some time to do so then I will let you know. But as I am not sorted from moving it will be a while

I have a 4-needle one and just pin; at the 4 corners and in the middle of the sides if possible, otherwise inside the stitching area, which works well as it only an outline in most cases.

I recently learned from someone to use quarter inch wide tape found in the quilting notions. I peel it off and stick it to the edge of my machine to reuse until it's no longer sticky. I rarely use the blue tape anymore. I have a single needle machine, though.

I don't personally own a multi needle, but when I use a friend's machine we are generous with the fabric and use purple Elmer's glue stick around the edges, not in the area to be stitched, to hold the fabric. Sometimes, we also add pins if needed. Hope that helps.

I have a Janome MB4 which has an extension table. I wonder if there is something similar for your machine.

I haven't got a multi needle yet, but on my Janome I use flat quilting pins with plastic heads outside the sewing field to hold things in place they are great as you can pin along the hoop edge knowing they won't be hit. Marian

I use spray adhesive to attach things under the hoop. Then I just support it with my hand very lightly. I never have any issues. Just make sure it is straight underneath and the material did not fold ..a quick peek is all it takes. Suzanne

The quilters tape works great for holding the edges together after opening the zipper...This is the back of a little coin purse.

Will your machine let you "see" by moving to the corners before you start to stitch? If so, just pin your underneath piece inside of, or outside of the stitching line. This way you KNOW you won't sew over a pin.

I use painters tape, holds material in place and comes off with no sticky on anything, go through rolls of it for everything LOL

Follow the instructions the first time and keep notes if you're inclined to do things differently.
Cut out all the pieces first and label if necessary so you're not thinking of what you are doing and what material you need to cut next.
Slow your machine down until you are comfortable with a higher speed.
Check the design as often as you need to for your own comfort.
Use fabric glue stick, it's not so sticky that it stiffens the material and needs to be washed out.
Repositional spray adhesive is good too but check the brand and be sure to buy the one with the least nasties in it.
Lastly, 'do it' and do it 'now' *S*