I normally take my quilts to a long arm quilter,But might like to try hand quilting.My mom had a monster thing she would roll up to the ceiling when she was done,I live in an Apt. so that is not possible,I don't want a hoop,,which ones are a good alternative

I don't use any hoop, I find they get in my way. I just pin or baste real good and put it in my lap.

Do you use any basting spray?

No, never tried any spray.

I have a Grace EZ Quilter 3. It folds up fairly small if you're not using it. It doesn't take up a lot of space when it has a quilt loaded. I don't like holding a quilt on my lap while I'm quilting, so I really like using a frame.

Spray baste and quilt in my lap. Have tried a lot of frames and hated them all!

I have the Grace 11 frame-stand with the SQUARE hoop (24") which rotates in any direction and is height adjustable. It folds down to store under a bed or in a closet when not is use. I have several sizes of hoops for smaller quilts, but the larger ones I use my Grace. You can find them on a Google search so see how they look.

Thanks for all the input

Big hoop. They do very large Hawaiian quilts that way too. I have one that almost looks like a drum frame. It sits up from your lap and one side is bigger then the other. You can also take it apart and then have just a flat hoop, easier for taking along or travel. I started with a wooden hoop but I now much prefer the plastic ones that have a groove and this one will surely outlive me while the wood ones wear.

http://www.nosliphoops.com/lap-stands.html

It can be used on both sides so you have a large hoop and a smaller hoop. It is super comfortable and I like the none slip.

When using a hoop don't thighten it all the way,pull the quilt in it thight and then push gently from the top to give it slack like the cat slept on it. Then tighten it. I made the mistake in the beginning of making it like a drum skin and I had a hard time quilting.

I know you said you don't want a hoop, but since you've never hand quilted before, it's the most economical alternative. Frames can be pricey and take up a lot of space. If you're just starting out it can be daunting to learn to quilt in different directions.

I started out with a cheap wooden hoop, and got a frame once I realized I liked hand quilting. If you really think a frame is what you want, I'd try a Q-Snap frame.

Janet