You can do foundations in various ways. Some use paper as a foundation that is usually torn away before quilting but after the top is complete. I have heard of one person who left it in place also. I don't think I would as most paper has some acid in it that might cause your fabric to brown over time. Others use muslin as a foundation. I would probably use a thin batt if the foundation was muslin and I was hand quilting so there would be less bulk to quilt through.