I agree! I don't use a frame or hoop but I do PIN generously to keep everything smooth. It's more relaxing to me than fighting with the frame or hoop. Neither seem to feel comfortable to me.

I use a frame. I tend to draw my thread too tight without one. I have a frame by Hinterberg. Love it; no basting and it rolls the quilt beautifully.

I tried both hoop & frame. I don't much care for using a frame and can't use a hoop at all; it's just annoying. You CAN quilt just fine without either one, but the layers need to be basted well first.
I pin baste.

Do you have a LQS where you can take a lesson and get started on the right track. One class should be enough and you would have a lot of info. that can make this a task a success. If you don't have a LQS do you know some one you could ask to give you a lesson.
I suggest you use a hoop or quilt frame. I use a Hinterberg round lap hoop and quilt up to a king size quilt. It sits on your lap and the frame holds the weight of the quilt up I think it's the best on the market (It is better for my back than quilt frame you can hold your work close .
Good Luck.

I quilt without frame or hoop....I think its a personal preferance whatever feels right to you

I don't. When I first started I did and it just was in my way. So, I quit using one

I hand quilt with a small hoop made for that purpose (thicker than an embroidery hoop) but I know a number of hand quilters who work with the quilt loose in their lap and do beautiful stitching.

I have to have a frame too

I have the PVC lap hoop, the grace frame lap hoop and a large grace frame for big projects. I tried without a hoop after reading a lot of the posts here but I can't seem to get consistent stitches so I use the hoops and love hand quilting. I like the lap hoop because it is portable but love the frame so I can do larger projects.

I, too, use the PVC pipe frames. I have 2 sizes but prefer the one about 14 x 16.