I do all my hand quilting in the recliner (not reclined) or antique rocking chair. I have always used a round hoop--18" inside, that came from Walmart almost 30 yrs ago. It is wood, and has needed new bolt & nuts a few times for the closure. I rest the hoop on my bent knee in the recliner, on the rocking chair arm...and I can work with one hand under and one on top. The oval hoop never worked for me either--too wide and too much turning, and is under some cabinet in my sew rm. Prob been there almost as long as I've had the round one. I agree--you need slack in the quilt. I load in the hoop, loosen the screw bolt just a bit and push down in the center...then tighten again. I have better control this way.