PatPitter

I have a nice large quilting frame. I can only sit at it about 30 minutes then my back starts to hurt. I was trying to quilt with a hoop but was finding that awkward at times. I just tried the no frame, no hoop method and I really like it!

I do use a thimble. I have a leather one I like. I recently picked up an inexpensive "plastic" one at the quilt shop and I like it. It is like those jelly shoes that used to be popular. My problem with a metal thimble is the side rubs on my ring finger causing a wee bit of pain.

Just Jan

Tell your DH to save his money or spend it on fabric for your stash! I have wasted money on all types of hoops including the PVC type, and don't like any of them. Yes, its hot here in FL, too, so I intend to try the tray table idea, too. I found the pink thimble at Missouri Star QC and ordered it when I ordered fabric. I can't get to Joanns and MSQC was cheaper than the ones I found on ebay. Should have it by next week so can try the new thimble and my tray table at the same time, and maybe I can finish up a UFO or two!

MarionsQuilts

I just started hand quilting, and I did it with no hoop, no frame, no thimble ... it was pretty relaxing. Just need to practice a bit more on spacing, size of stitches, and I'll be off to the races!

Glad you found the best way for you!

Doggramma

I do it this way too. I don't usually pin though; I thread baste for hand quikting. It was too much for me to hold onto a hoop and manuver everything around. I do use a leather thimble otherwise I get a sore finger.

rural01

Wow! I am so excited to have found this thread! I feel vindicated. I recently went back to hand quilting after machine quilting for years. But when I did, I found hand quilting to be so awkward, even though I hand quilted my last quilt only about four years ago. Is it that I've aged and my fingers are no longer as nimble? After a little quilting, I had considered ripping out the stitches and heading for my sewing machine. I felt a sort of guilt for feeling that way. All the time I was teaching myself to free-motion quilt, I had romanticized going back to hand quilting a traditional Dresden Plate quilt I'd started years ago.

At first I tried a large oval hoop. That was awful. A much smaller round hoop was a little better, but still pretty miserable. My stitches were awkward and uneven. The quilt was heavy and cumbersome. (I usually have a cat perched on it). I was really frustrated. Finally, I decided to pitch the hoops and just bundle the fabric onto my lap with the bulk of it on a TV tray. Hand quilting is so much better now. My stitches are more even. I actually enjoy quilting this way and it goes much quicker. I do use a thimble, two actually, depending on which direction I'm working. I quilt forward with my index finger and backwards with my thumb. Thanks all and quiltingboard for sharing this information which I've found invaluable.

SusieQOH

I use a hoop and a leather thimble but the way we hand quilt is as unique as we are.
I realized that when all of us hand quilters got together. Every person did something different.
The bottom line is to find what works for you, which you have. Great!

Onebyone

I have never used a frame or hoop when handquilting after I realized I didn't like using them. I never felt like I was doing it wrong not using a frame. I do use a thimble. I don't want a sore finger. I don't pin baste, I spray baste. I also use a running stitch with tiger tape when handquilting. I won the handquilting award at a local quild show yesterday! It was a small show about 50 quilts. The guild members voted for it and they don't know I don't do it the standard way. I think some would be shocked. LOL

lots2do

Hmm, this is making me really think. I do have the PVC frame which I haven't used. (I have been wanting to). But if it doesn't work, maybe I could use it for a design wall on a smaller scale...
I took a class once from a teacher who did beautiful hand quilting and she used a small round table to support the weight, like a four person one.