I love to hand quilt but sometimes it is not practical. I use thread heaven on the thread to reduce tangled thread .
Here is a mini demonstration that gives a good idea of how loose to have the quilt in the hoop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAiBobVNpVY
I use size 12 betweens but you might want to start with a bigger needle like a nine or ten.
This is a good tutorial to show you how to bury the knots and how to make the stitches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-WvF...eature=related