I have done two classes with eminent uk hand quilters, good friends as well. They both use a hoop one keeps fabric taute while the other is slack.i believe they alter each other's tension when together,hehehe.
Personally I prefer to hold in my hand to quilt. From both classes the message was keep stitches even in size. Smaller stitches come with time.
The rocking takes time as does the organising the size of the quilt.