I, like becca, use W&N all the time and only hand quilt. It's what I started quilting with and have continued with no issues. I guess I just don't know any better! Then again, I like Rowenta irons also - haha. Anywho...Yes, lots of seams can be painful when hand quilting but it can be done. Take your time and if needed, just do one stitch at a time in those areas. A fan pattern shouldn't be that painful with a crumb quilt I wouldn't think. Might be a bit late in the game for this thought, but pressing seams open helps tremendously in hand quilting as well...not quite as much bulk. Yes, you might have more of a bearding issue but that's not something I have problems from W&N either. Good luck and enjoy.