I started out handquilting one stitch at a time. When I graduated from stab stitching to being able to load up to two stitches on the needle at a time I was really going to town. At that point I used smaller and smaller needles which helped. As I age my hands get less responsive and I need a bigger needle. What really matters is that you get the job done. I have learned to do most of my quilting when watching TV or having a conversation with friends or family. While I machine quilt my Linus projects I don't enjoy it as much as the handquilting as I can not carry on a conversation, watch TV or even listen to the radio while using the machine. At the speed I sew I could easily sew my hand or fingers to the quilt in a brief moment of distraction.
When I use a snap frame I often only secure two sides.