Of course you can do large quilts using only a hoop. I have only hand quilted in a lap hoop. I have never hand quilted on a frame. I love using a lap hoop because you can turn it any which way you like so you are quilting in a direction that is comfortable for you. I have basted for a lap hoop with safety pins and I have done it with stitches and it has worked equally well both ways for me.