Debbie
Sounds as tho your needles are fine, I did'nt even know they made quilting needles that long. I'm leaning more towards your 8" hoop. Since you don't pull your piece to taught, dose that help? How big is the piece that your using the hoop for? When I hand quilt I have a hoop thats oblong, it's 26"x19", I always use that hoop for my quilts. Maybe if your piece is large you need to use a bigger hoop. Please let me know if that helps.