hoop, Hoop, HOOP

Many many months ago, I found an idea in a Country Living magazine. Someone had traced the hand of their three children, and embroidered them. Since then, I have been looking for hoops. This is my third one - and I also found two linen napkins to stitch on! Although, that brings me to this dilemma, now must I stitch them using linen thread? Or, would that only matter if I planned to use them, which would require washing? I hope they turn out.