Originally Posted by janRN
I never use a hoop. I've handquilted a couple of queen-sized quilts by putting my ironing board at lap level in front of the chair I'm sitting in. I drape as much as I can over the ironing board and loosely stuff the rest of it around me. I pin a lot--every 2-3 inches. I find the ironing board takes a lot of the weight off the quilt and makes it very easy to move from section to section when quilting. I know this won't work for everyone but I find by having the extra draped over the ironing board I also keep the quilt smooth and pulled a little tight. If it pulls too tightly, move the ironing board away from you so it drapes more. Again, this works for me so I thought I'd suggest it. It also helps to keep half the quilt off me in this heat.
Peace-Jan
You're absolutely right about using the ironing board....hadn't thought of that. I don't use a hoop when I hand quilt either, BUT, I have a coffee table in the living room that rises to a comfortable level and place as much of the quilt on it as possible whereby I am free to use both hands one above and one below just like with a hoop but more freedom I find. when not in the living room, I have a craft table in my sewing room that I use the same thing for. It's all about being comfy while quilting.....for me anyway.