I use the 14" Quick snap most of the time and sometimes at the edge I just clamp 3 of the 4 sides. Other times I freehand it. I love working with the Quick Snap handhelds..Mine was over 10 years old and was getting weak..actually found you can order replacement clamps for all the models...So, I guess I have at least 10 more years to go on it!

http://www.qsnap.com/
Forgot the link!!

I've had good luck safety pinning a hand towel to the edge that I'm working on. It's quick to do and undo. Just make sure there is no pin where the outer hoop fits onto the inner hoop.

Thanks, Tartan. For me, it was a huge improvement over anything else I tried.

I usually just let the edge 'float' in the hoop - no extra fabric to pin to. Seems to work fine for me. A friend has offered me her 'edge hoop' but so far I've not used it. Looked at one a long time ago and didn't want to spend the $$ for it.

There is a method using heavy rubber bands and long pins to tighten the edge.

Daffy, I also love your quilt hoop sleeve - what a great idea! Can't wait to make one!

I would add strips of fabric to the edges so that you can fit enough work space to quilt.

This method was taught in a hand quilting class at the Quilting Expo in Atlanta last Oct. It looked like it would work well. I can't remember the man's (instructor) name, so I can't do a search to find a picture. But he pinned long flat flower pins parallel to the edge of the quilt, hooked one end of the rubber band around the pin, pulled the RB around the hoop and then back to hook over the pin again. I wish I could find a picture, it is so simple if you could see it.