Your stitch size will come with time and a lot of practice. I have a 14" round hoop and prefer it to the oval as I can turn it to best advantage for the direction I'm going. I got it many years ago at JoAnn's but i don't think they carry this one any more. Mine is a plastic/PVC sort of thing but wider than an embroidery hoop so that it really grips onto the multiple layers. Perhaps Dritz makes it now but i'm not certain of that. I like the leather thimble with the "coin" in the tip. While I usually use quilting thread, if I can't find the color i want, usual sewing thread works for me. You can make your own templates or simply do straight line stitching or quilt in the ditch.
Congratulations on aspiring to hand quilting. It keeps the art alive!