I also hand quilt with a hoop but I put my card table up and sit at that. Then the quilt rests on the table. My hoop is 14" and I have only done large quilts with it. I baste it all first. No one has mentioned needles. I use "betweens' size 10. when you first start out just try and keep yoo stitches consistant in size. Eventully as you get more sure of yourself the stitches will become smaller. When i look at my very first quilt I did years ago its a nightmare LOL> Have fun