There's a simply quilts episode they still have on youtube and the whole show is on hand quilting. I hand quilt but not like a pro but she gives great advise on hand quilting in a frame. I'm inpatient and it takes me a long time to finish anything handquilted so I just dove in you do get better with practice. It's usually not the top stitches that are the issue it's the bottom stitches. Even the pros say they aren't always the same length as the top but the key is to catch that bottom fabric. Buy a good thimble you are comfortable with. I use size 10 needle but I bend them alot so I need the 20 pack!! I also cut corners and use cookie cutters for some shapes.
Good luck and have fun it is very rewarding!!