I don't hand quilt at all, or pick up a needle at all if I can help it. I use both my walking foot and free motion, depending on what I think the quilt needs. I'm not an experience fmq'er, but can do loops and meander without much trouble. Also like to just free hand some flowers and things in there if the space seems right. I like both, but would have to say that the quilting is not my favorite part, but I love to finish my projects, so I just do it.