If you are using a hoop and quilting, you do not keep it tight like when doing embroidery, there needs to be a lot of give. There are plenty of examples on YouTube. I took a class and the instructor said you should keep a piece handy to sew a few minutes to get your rhythm before you start on the actual quilt.
There is a book called, "The Perfect Stitch, the Secrets to Fine Hand Quilting" by Dierdra McElroy that I found very helpful.
Last edited by quiltingcandy; 08-17-2014 at 08:37 PM.