I hand quilt both with and without a hoop. Just depends on the size of the project and my mood. I think tessagin is referring to the Thimble Lady (sorry can't think of her given name). She suggests, and I find it easier as well, to have your sandwich fairly loose in your hoop. Makes for easier and smaller stitches. One reason I like a hoop is that it makes it easier for me to find where I stopped working!