No frame/no hoop ??????
 

I'm fairly new to hand quilting and I can't seem to get the hang of using a round hoop or any kind of frame. When I sandwich the quilt, I pin, pin, pin making sure everything is tight and smooth. Then I basically use a small frame to keep the quilt from falling on the floor and keeping it directly off my lap and quilt in my lap. Any one else do that and is it easier for you than quilting on a frame?

Absolutely IS easier for me..my hoop is about 18-20"--round...and I hoop the center first. I love to sit in a recliner or rocking chair with armrests--one side of the hoop rests on an armrest (right for me) and my left hand is under the hoop guiding my needle. It is soooo easy for me that I would never choose any other way--and I prefer my round hoop to my oval, even tho it has a stand. I just toss the quilt onto the bed, take the hoop off and move it to the next area. I hand baste my layers loosely and the sandwich stays together well enough to smoothe into the hoop at each change. It is just whatever you can get accustomed to that works best for you.

Oh, and I meant to add that I have done Q & K size quilts this way, and that I love having the quilt hanging down over my legs in the winter....keeps me cozy warm, and I'm about to start another right after the holidays! It's wintertime here.

With a red face I am admitting I don't use a frame or hoop usually with my small quilts. I get 8 or 9 stitches to an inch so it works for me.

I quilt without any hoop or frame at all. Although I've never done a king size quilt I have done up to Queen with excellent results. I just baste well, pins or thread, and smooth as I go beginning in the center of the quilt. I use a sharp needle and a running stitch. I average about 8 stitchs an inch which is OK with me. As Mermaid said it is nice in the winter time to have that quilt draped over my body as I work!! :)

PS: I don't have any problem keeping the quilt square if it is squared before I begin.

I'm so relieved to read this! I have a hoop, but try as I might I just can't get on with it, and so everything that I have done so far has been quilted without. I do rather OTT with basting it all together, but then I'm a 'belt and braces' kind of girl.

I bought this book years ago and it's the only way I hand quilt now. I have to baste the quilt much more but it's worth it. And the quilt pattern Star Spin is included in the book.

[h=3]Hand Quilt without a Frame by Barbara Schaffeld[/h]

I have never used a hoop or frame and have hand quilted king size - never had any problems I like having it all wrapped around me especially this time of year

I've never used a frame. This is actually the first time I've used a hoop. I quilt with it all bunched on my lap on the couch. I found that working with a hoop is faster for me and made it easier to keep the quilt smooth but there was no difference in the number of stitches done. (about 7 an inch) My stitches will never be small and even and certainly not beautiful like the women do on here but I'm okay with that.

I use a PVC frame ...I can't pin that well, and stretch and smooth as I go