I use a 14-16" circle hoop. I've had a bigger hoop, and a oval hoop and even a smaller hoopThey were just alittle odd to use for me. In my 14-16" hoop, I put the quilt in the hoop, and eventually pull it but not tight. All around the hoop. When I start to hand quilt, I'll do a few stitches, and then I decide, if I need to go a little tighter, or loose it up a little. If it's(the quilt) is a little tight, I lay my hand in the middle, and give it a little pressing(push). In fact I have a quilt, that is 99 3/4% done. I have a Grandmothers flower garden, that I will start hand quilting, probably next week sometime. Hope this will help some what. Don-isewman