I've hand quilting since the early 70's before I was a teenager. didn't know there were rules, like using a hoop and a certain number of stitches per inch. I always quilt without a hoop, and they come out fine. didn't know I was quilting then, just did it. All I knew was getting all 3 layers together. never learned to use a thimble. big problem for me now. i'm doing an EPP 1" hex quilt. I wish I could use a thimble, because i'm not able to quilt for a few days. I need to let my fingers heal. May go get a thimble tomorrow. i'm sick of all these holes in my finger.