I hand quilt both with an w/o a hoop. I've done king-size quilts without a hoop. I have learned over the years that on larger quilts I now tend to thread baste vs pin basting because it reduces the weight of the quilt tremendously.
With either basting method, I usually pin/stitch about a hand-width apart in both directions. Additionally, with either method of quilting (hooped or hoopless) I rock the fabric vs rocking my hand.
Determining if I'm going to use a hoop or not, for me, is predicated on the quilting design I choose. If it's something all-over and 'flowy', I tend to go hoopless. If I'm doing an echo design of the block or it's elements, I usually hoop.
I actually prefer quilting with a hoop because it's easier for me to find where I've last been working. Otherwise I have to be rather particular in how I'm setting aside my work for next time so I can easily find where to pick up again.
I don't think you'll have any issues with a hoop simply because of the applique or the buttons unless they (buttons) are very close together. Just be mindful of where those elements are when you are hooping your next section. The applique might make those pieces a bit stiffer just because of the additional stitching and/or if any stabilizer was used. Again, just be mindful of how you are hooping those sections and I think you'll be fine.