I just wanted to say: yes, you do need a quilt for hand quilting
(re: the title of your thread)
Jane Quilter's recommendation to use the pool noodles is great! I just tried this myself and my goodness, what took me so long?? Don't forget to pin the edge of the quilt to the noodles before you roll it. That part is key.
Have you considered Elmer's gluing your sandwich? I only glue baste, but I haven't tried hand quilting it yet. I don't imagine it would be that hard if you thin your glue and spread it out instead of leaving little dots. Elmer's washes out completely and I love it. I would say try it without a hoop and if you hate it, get a hoop
