Here is a pic of the ones I use. I am doing a full size right now, almost done!!! And have a King size ready to go. I am currently using a dritz quilters betweens needle size 9. I have a box of lily hand quilting thread that was my Great Aunts and I love it but have also used Coats thread. The idea is to keep your stitches as even as you can shorter stitches come with practice. I am not there yet!!! I love the look of hand quilting and I can do it in the evenings in front of TV. This is only the second time I have used the bigger frame my aunt found it for $2.00 at a resale shop. I am finally getting the hang of the frame altho I have to turn it alot. The smaller hoop I like to use in the car when traveling. It is 14 inches across.