Originally Posted by NJ Quilter

I, too, sometimes use no hoop/frame to do my handquilting. Did you start your sandwiching in the middle of the quilt? Is your batting a 'high loft' batting that would account for the puffy look on the back? I should think you would still be okay as long as you can smooth as you go (when you are quilting, that is) and have no puckers/folds.