Hand quilting with a hoop..
 

Need some suggestions. I'm going to be taking a class on hand quilting. The instructor asked me if I wanted to lap quilt using a large hoop. Let me hear from those of you who use the hoop and let me know the size you prefer, it is on a stand, does it sit in your lap. I used to embroider with a hoop but it seems this would be different since there are 3 layers instead of just the one. Please share with me your experiences--good and bad.

For the class I took I used one that I could prop on the edge of the kitchen table and reach around and under with one hand. I took the two thimble class so one hand underneath was necessary. I didn't want too large a hoop or it would be difficult to have one hand on top and one underneath.

See if you can try it out first then go from there. neighbor hand quilts and she has different hoops and stands. She says depends on where she is as to what is comfortable in the moment. She also has a couple "Aunt Beckys" she can't do without.

What is an Aunt Becky?

An embroidery hoop and a quilting hoop are two different things.
1. The quilting hoop is 'thicker', about an inch wide instead of the narrow 1/4" - 1/2" of the other hoop
2. It is also usually larger - usually 14-16" in circumference.
3. If it is free of a stand, it sometimes helps to be able to lean the top edge against something.....your knee, the arm of the chair, a table surface, a stand brought up against your chair.
4. The fabric of the quilt - all 3 layers - is kept in the hoop with less tension than an embroidery piece would be. This allows for the rocking motion of the quilting needle and ease of making the stitch.

My personal preference is a hoop that is 16" round, with smooth edges that do not stress the fabric....not all hoops are smooth but you could sand them a bit at home. Quilt shops usually carry better quality ones than the chain stores.

Jan in VA

Here is one like I mention:
http://server.nancyellenquilts.com/c...hoop/wood-hoop

I do all my quilting by hand, tried out a hoop but found it much easier without, have done from wall hangings to king size. You should definitely try one before you buy

How do you keep the right tension?

I have quilted many quilts on a large hoop in my lap! I really like to use a large plastic hoop ( they hold up better than the wooden ones) but are hard to find. I have had the hoop in the floor stand but was bending forward to quilt and I found it to be hard on my back and shoulders. With the hoop I'm my lap I was able to sit comfortably in my chair. Two years ago I purchased a long arm and I have not quilted I'm my lap since then!

Thanks for telling me about your experience with the floor stand. Makes sense to me that it would be harder on our back.