I hand quilt without a hoop. While in Colorado, took a quilting class at Harriet Hargraves shop. The instructor showed us quilting without a hoop, and I found that I could control my stitches better that way. Also it made my quilting more portable. Now I can quilt anywhere I have to sit and wait for something. It really is up to what is comfortable for you. We have already decided that we are more critical of our own work than any quilt police, so who needs em? LOL