I recently took a hand quilting class. I think the most important thing I learned was to keep the quilt very loose inside the hoop so that you can pinch the fabric as you bring the needle back up. Someone I know said they were told to make it as if a cat had sat on it inside the hoop. My instructor told us to push the fabric down onto the table inside the hoop before tightening the bolt. It's working very well for me. (Also I purchased vinyl "thimble-it's. They're self stick vinyl finger protectors for the underneath finger that feels the tip of the needle so you know when to push up with the needle. I re-use the same one quite a few times it stays sticky, and it offers enough protection to keep from getting holes in your underneath fingertip.)