Pat, first.....breathe...! :wink: I agree with Vicki, and as I enjoy to hand quilt I have found that the best is a balance between the two. The needle and thread should be able to move through the materials with ease and comfort. You shouldn't feel like you are having to press through clay or trudge through mud. If it is putting astrain on your fingers....it is on the quilt as well. As with any quilting process.....the key is that the sandwich be smooth on both sides. Everything else is per quilter friendliness. Getting tight is for a Friday night with the gals....loosen up just a little. :lol: