I prefer hand quilting without a hoop- even large projects- I *thread baste* very well- so everything is staying very nicely together, hold my project draped on my lap & happily quilt along. I have (do) at times use a hoop- but they are often cumbersome & I tend to do better {as far as keeping everything smooth} without the hoop. you can quilt any way you like- that works for you.