I am trying to learn to hand quilt "again" and was wondering if I have to use a hoop.I have basted the quilt good on my long arm.And if i do use the hoop how loose should the quilt be?

back when.... i used a hoop

I don't do much hand quilting, but when I do I use a hoop.

I use a hoop. Check out this website. Alex Anderson (Simply Quilts) is known for her hand quilting. Some of the programs require a membership but there is a lot of free information also. Click on the Blog tab and scroll through the features until you find Alex's blogs on hand quilting. I think there are about 20 sessions and they are interesting and loaded with great information.

http://www.thequiltshow.com

I always use a round or oval hoop, not attached to a stand. So I can sit back in a comfy chair!!

I use a lap hoop. But it isn't really necessary to use either a frame or a hoop - DH's grandmother doesn't use either, just quilts in her lap. I have found the hoop helps me, though.

I am doing a small piece right now, about 8 X 10 and I am not using a hoop or frame. I have not done anything bigger though. My aunt hand quilts all the quilts she makes and she uses a frame. She loves it.

I use an oval hoop, sit at a table and prop one of the longer sides on the table for some stability. The quilt needs to be a little loose in the hoop so it is easier to quilt. I do a rocking stitch and it took several adjustments to determine how much give I required for the best results.

As mentioned previously, Alex Anderson has tutorials on the many facets of hand quilting.

http://www.thequiltshow.com/
Select: Daily Blog
Category - Tutorials
May 2011
June 2011
Lesson 1 starts on June 28

I am currently hand quilting (by stab stitching) on my Inspira quilt frame.

I use a hoop and I like my quilt to be somewhat tight so the backing doesn't get a pucker in it. I also have one of the PVC frames but haven't tried it out since I got my long arm shortly after that.