I have never hand quilted before and am working on a whole cloth that is 16X16 to practice. Do I have to put this in a hoop when I stitch it? It seems easier for me to get 3-4 stitches on the needle when it is not in a hoop. My questions are:
Do I have to have this in a hoop? If yes, then please tell me why, and is it harder for me to quilt this in the hoop because I have the fabric in there too tight?

If you use a hoop or frame the quilt sandwich needs to be fairly loose to enable you to take your stitches.

Quilting without a hoop or frame is easier for me, just be aware of your tension, not too tight or too loose. I quilt in my lap with a longer needle and my quilt sandwich well pined or basted. Then I quilt from the center of the quilt out. Use your under fingers to keep things smooth as you take your stitches.

Here is a thread on the subject, lots of advice and info.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-1962-1.htm

Don't use a hoop if it doesn't work for you. I do, but I have also quilted without one. It's really a personal preference

You don't have to have it in a hoop but it will need to be pinned or basted really well. I don't quilt with a hoop, it is the only way that I can make the stitches small and relatively even.

I took a hand quilting class and was told you had to use a hoop. After reading this I am going to take mine out of the hoop to see if I can get my stitches smaller and more even. Thanks!

Thank you for answering my post. I find I do a much better job if I dont use the hoop. I should have knows that there are no hoop police out there.

I have also done it both ways
I find a hoop easier on larger projects
also I found it is much easier if you have a floor frame hoop so I don't have to hold the hoop!
Georgia Bonesteel quilts without a hoop even her big ones!

I use a hoop because that is easier for me but if I could do it without a hoop that is the way I would do it.