Does anyone know of an online tutorial that shows how to hand quilt without a hoop? I would like to try it without the hoop. I use a 14" hoop now, I've used bigger but none seem too comfortable. I find either they're too small and you have to move the hoop alot, or too big to handle. Any hints on quilting without a hoop?

doing the middle parts is difficult for me because I like to bunch it up in my left hand to keep it taut. My hands get more tired without a hoop. Small quilts seem to be just fine though.

Check out Georgia Bonstiel (sp). She wrote a book on "lap quilting". You may want to look into it. She doesn't use a hoop.

I hand quilt without a hoop. Pin frequently, start in the middle and work your way to the edges. Use a finger cot on your thumb because I find that it helps to pull the needle through easier. I also kepp a maximum of 4 stitches on the needle before pulling it through.that is just my preference. Use you hand underneath to constantly feel for puckers before they become a problem.

I'm left handed and that is how I do it.

I think I have a copy of this but haven't read it. If you're really interested, please pm me with your whereabouts. Happy Sewing! RETRO

I did quite abit of my hand quilting without a hoop.

Right now im trying to hand quilt a wallhanging. I find it hard to use a hoop, because i find it harder to get the needle to come straight back up, but doing it without the hoop is so much easier, my stitches come out much smaller than with the hoop, but, it's also harder without a hoop, because i like to have my left hand under the quilt, to feel the needle come through all the way, and i like my left thumb on top of the quilt, so it's a lot of quilt to try and bunch up in your hand. So i'm wondering too, those that quilt without a hoop, is there a trick or a special way you hold the quilt that helps?

I prefer to quilt without a hoop. It's just more comfortable for me that way. The only precaution I can see is to be careful not to pull your stitches too tight. All a hoop really does is keep things taut. Your quilt should be well basted for any quilting, machine, hoop or no hoop. The only time you don't have to baste is when you have a fancy frame that doesn't require it.
Rebecca
http://www.quilterscrossroads.com

This summer we took a class on quilting with out a hoop.It was Georgras books. We made sure to start in the middle and work out. We were doing block by block. I loved it. I had trouble in one spot out close to the edge,that bunched up,had to un sew some then re do. We just made a table runner.Don't know if I coudl do a whole quilt or not..

i think I learned from Georgia also. It was a long time ago. My dad did make a stand for a large hoop which is very nice too. I liked the block by block quilting because I could take it wherever I went and had to wait.