I'm so glad your learning to hand quilt. Don't get discouraged. Practice makes perfect, or pretty much so.
I find the first stitch is always bigger then the rest.
My first two quilts I did years ago I stabbed stitched them and thought I was quilting! My hoop is a 14 inch I use Big eye John James needles size 11 and 12. I started out using a 9 needle and I don't know the name brand back then. I keep my quilt loose in the hoop. Like a cat had laid on it!!
My off hand finger has a calous on it from being pricked. But I love to hand quilt.
Just keep with it you'll get it!!
Keep it rocking,
Donna Mae