Am also a hand quilter. The easiest was to quilt (for me)is to quilt in the shadow (1/4 inch from seam). It's easy to keep a straight line or you can mark the line with a quilting pencil. I try to keep the stitches in a straight line without worrying TOO much about the length of the stitches. Other hand quilters tell me that comes with practice. Also, told me not to worry about being perfect--just enjoy the process and make it relaxing and fun.