Don't get frustrated yet. I can't use a hoop either but if I spread my quilt over a tabletop I do just fine. This way you can use your left (or opposite) thumb nail to help guide the fabric to the needle to make smaller stitches. It took me a whole twin sized quilt before I finally got the hang of it. I think if you use too large a needle it gives bigger stitches. Use as small a between as you can manage to see to thread.