I also hand quilt and I get 3 -4 stitches at a time. I tried going hoopless, but it didn't feel comfortable to me even though the stitches were smaller and more even. I am afraid to machine quilt but I do machine piece. Hand quilting is my favorite part of the process and it is my therapy and it relaxes me (most of the time, when I am not so critcal and try to be perfectionist). Enjoy the process and don't worry about the speed that comes with practice.