Lots of words of wisdom....and you are not dumb, just a beginner. I don't use a hoop at all and only use the thimble on my top hand. Persistence is the key, and don't be too hard on yourself. Handquilting is addictive once you feel comfortable with it....so hang in there and happy quilting.

I think the consistancy is more important than the number per inch. That said, I think I remember reading here somewhere a good goal would be 8-10 per inch. 12 that was mentioned here earlier seems impossible to me, I can get about 5-6, but still working on being consistent. I really enjoyed hand quilting, but am really new and slow. When we were in Lancaster one of the ladies that had a shop in her home, demonstrated for me and made it look SO EASY. She was a sweetheart and very patient with me and encouraging. We can just keep practicing.

How dumb was that? (hand quilting)
 

Not dumb at all. I've tried different sized hoops and finally came up with one that is comfortable, but was still very awkward, when a QB friend told me about the position she uses (she will know who she is :o). So I tried it. I sit in my recliner with my feet propped up on the "leg extension" of the chair. Spread my knees a little and prop the hoop again my legs. I'm comfortable, but could not quilt while there was an "audience" in the room.

I do not use a hoop. I get a little pucker once in awhile but you can't tell once it is washed. If I used a hoop I would have to do one stitch at a time---to slow for me!

My first attempt was a queen size quilt (what was I thinking). I bought a frame at a garage sale, it looked like a card table with the top missing, the sides were the frame. It didn't tilt forward and I ended up with carpul tunnel in both wrists and tennis elbow....now I only do small portable projects and dont hoop at alll.

yep, been there done that too....

I use a hoop but I loosen it up a lot after it is where i want it.....it is a plastic one and is very light and easy to handle...i`ve never has a pucker yet.....well not while handquilting, and i do mostly queen size.....i`ve read somewhere that you have to handquilt at least 5 quilts before you really get the hang of it.....i am on my 5th and my stitches still aren`t even...guess i`m a slow learner ....ha ha ha

Charlee, me too. i use a thimble on my top hand, and my fingers get poked on the bottom. also. i do have several leather finger guards, but for some reason, i just haven't picked them up and used them. also, my thumb nail on my right hand is always getting worn funny looking. but, i'm hanging in there, hand quilting my jane. she isn't perfect, but more than half done.

I have a Q Snap, too, and do the same thing you do - and I love it. Easy to work on!

Personally, I like cotton over anything else. (and it drapes beautifully!)