Hi Judy. If you are using a machine embroidery design as a quilting design, then yes, you do have to use the hoop, as the embroidery unit connected to the hoop is what moves the fabric around. If you have a large quilt you will need to support it front back and sides somehow, so it doesn't create drag on the emb unit. One of the best ways to do this is to quilt a block as a 'sandwich' [background, batting and backing] You can then use sashing or other methods to join these blocks. Or you could make the quilt in sandwich strips of, say, 12" wide, and quilt, then join another sandwich strip and repeat. Hope this helps Do show us a pic of the finished quilt
Cheers