I use a hoop on a floor stand for hand quilting, but of course you can also quilt without. You have to baste your quilt more closely so the layers won't shift so much when you hold the quilt in your hand.
As needles I also use Betweens #11 and I prefer the John James brand. I like to use a hand quilting thread like YLI - it's glazed cotton and you don't have to use wax or Thread Heaven.
Regarding the technique: I only quilt in one direction (towards my body) and that is the reason why I have to turn my quilt while quilting. I don't use a thimble or any other tool - only thread and needle. I do single stitches, that works best for me. IMHO it is not important which method of hand quilting you use. What counts is the result and it doesn't matter how you reach it! Every hand quilter can find her/his own technique that works best. You just have to find it by practicing.