i do what is called lap quilting - no hoop. i hand quilt with the needle coming towards me, with a metal thimble. i have tried to do it sideways, but that doesn't work for me. i love the look of hand quilting way more than machine because after it is washed the fabric crinkles slightly more than machine quilting and that is the look i like. that is why i do not pre wash my fabrics. some people prefer the more "store bought" look (no offense) but i like the home made look. oh, i pin baste my quilt together, but when you lap quilt, you can feel the back so you don't get any fold overs or kinks on the back. i also use a cotton batting, on the line of warm n natural. again, the old fashioned look after quilted.