My first quilt turned into an UFO for a couple of years because I just couldn't work out hand-quilting how it's shown in those you-tube videos, despite the hoop I bought for it (I didn't have anyone who could show me in person, maybe that would have worked better...). After a couple of years I was fed up and just wanted that quilt on my bed instead of in the drawer! That's when I decided to give it a try without the hoop - and it worked so much better for me! Haven't used the hoop since but have done a few more quilts...