many hand quilters do stitch in the ditch- sometimes right in the ditch, sometimes right next to it, or even 1/4" away (due to the bulk of the extra layers) do a search on hand quilting designs- you will find thousands! there are some fabulous designs that are actually easier by hand then by machine. if you have not hand quilted anything before you might want to put together a couple small projects (pot holders, placemats) top, batting, backing- baste & practice before starting on your larger quilt- some people use a hoop, some a frame, some just hold their project on their lap- some use a thimble, some don't, some use teeny-tiny needles (betweens) some use longer needles; there is no wrong way- there is just different ways and you need to find *your way*- but you can hand quilt any design you want...find a couple videos- tutorials, take a practice piece & get the feel of it-