Originally Posted by GemState

For me, quilting in the hoop is much easier. The secret is to have your quilt quite 'loose and saggy' in the hoop. It should move up and down 3 or 4 inches. Lots of people quilt without a hoop as well. It is whatever is easiest for you.

Originally Posted by Hinterland

I think some new quilters have trouble with the hoop because they keep the quilt sandwich tension too tight, like you would for embroidery. That's why hoopless quilting is so attractive to some.