I love to hand quilt. I use quilting needles, size 10. That works for me but may not be your choice.
I also like big stitch quilting. I'm almost finished doing a quilt that way. It goes really quickly.
I use a hoop for hand quilting but I loosen the tension on the hoop. I have trouble quilting without one. I also use a leather thimble. It's the only one that works for me.
It's a highly individual thing!