An embroidery hoop and a quilting hoop are two different things.
1. The quilting hoop is 'thicker', about an inch wide instead of the narrow 1/4" - 1/2" of the other hoop
2. It is also usually larger - usually 14-16" in circumference.
3. If it is free of a stand, it sometimes helps to be able to lean the top edge against something.....your knee, the arm of the chair, a table surface, a stand brought up against your chair.
4. The fabric of the quilt - all 3 layers - is kept in the hoop with less tension than an embroidery piece would be. This allows for the rocking motion of the quilting needle and ease of making the stitch.
My personal preference is a hoop that is 16" round, with smooth edges that do not stress the fabric....not all hoops are smooth but you could sand them a bit at home. Quilt shops usually carry better quality ones than the chain stores.
Jan in VA
Here is one like I mention:
http://server.nancyellenquilts.com/c...hoop/wood-hoop