So now here I am with quilt in a hoop frame all ready to get it quilted. Read all the instructions and since I am a very experienced hand embroidery person feel like quilting should not be impossible. But seems to me I must not be doing something right because when I push the needle back up thru------------the needle comes up way too far from where I want it to be. So what is wrong.......................wondering if the quilt has to be a little loose in the frame?

yes, don't have it too tight. Just keep practicing, before you know it your stitches will be getting smaller.

Yes the quilt has to be loose in the frame. I prefer to use hoop but to each his owne!!

Wow you guys are quick-----I just posted this. I think I will buy a smaller hoop to see if that helps. Just as soon as the snow and ice here in Hot Atlanta goes away. I am beginning to think Atlanta is joining the great white north!

how much snow and ice is on the ground?

No need for a smaller hoop unless it is more comfortable for you. I have 14" I think. What I like to do is once my sandwich is in the hoop, before I tighten the screw I run my fist around the entire inner circumference of the hoop on the backside giving the fabric sandwich a bit of a push. I then lay the hoop down on a flat surface (I use my coffee table) right side up. I then "test" the tauntness of it by placing my open hand in the middle. There should be enough give that your open palm hand and splayed fingers laying flat easily touches the hard surface. You do not want it taunt like a hand embroidery hoop. Once I do that I tighten up my hoop. If I am quilting away and still having problems I will make it even looser.

Hi: I am a hand quilter and have been for about 3 years. I quilt with a group and we use the frame with post. I had problems when I first started. The other quilters insisted I use a small needle. Quilting needle size 9 or 10.......I am now able to control the length of my stitches.......Hope this is helpful for you.

I prefer not to use a hoop. I find that it helps a lot.

I use a hoop and have to loosen the quilt sandwich so that the needle can rock up and down during quilting. I'll have to try feline's test. I also use a small quilting needle. Since I learned embroidery as a child, I had lots of rethinking to do to get hand quilting but I love it now.

I use a small needle also- my favorite is a 10. Sometimes I don't use a hoop either. Lately I haven't used it on my current quilt and it's going along great.