I've only hand quilted in strips then sewed them together as in lap quilting. Didn't use hoop.

I don't use a hoop and have done king size quilts this way. I just start in the middle and am careful to smooth it out every time I move to a new area. Much easier to get smaller, more uniform stitches.

I'm a lefty and just can't or refuse to use a hoop when hand quilting.......it's just more fun that way for me!

I douse a lap hoop (Grace lap hoop about 18", kinda squarish with rounded corners), but my quilt is not taut in the hoop, it is very loose. I took a class with Luxine Newman (the Thimblelady) and that is how she teaches it. You can go to her website to see a short video. I use my underneath (left) hand to push it up and my dominant (right hand) with the thimble and needle to rock and make the my stitches.

Tried using a hoop and it was soooo awkward. Most of the women in my handquilting group do use hoops. So, I just pin it really well and quilt away. Amazingly, it feels right that way!

**I too am left handed, don't know if that makes a difference.

I have tried hoops and my arms and hands get too tired to hold them up after a while. I also like wrapping up in the quilt to work, it keeps me warm. If it gets too hard to hold up, I would drape it over the back of the couch and work that way, at least the weight would be supported by the couch and not your muscles. I guess fibro makes you adapt to what you can do instead of looking out for the quilt police........

Have been hand quilting forever. Tried using hoops and frames. Too aggravating and too tough on the lower back. I baste the daylights out of the quilt top, start in the middle and work out. Have even done as big as queen size.

I couldn't get used to using a hoop which has to be held, so I got a Hinterberg lap hoop and love it. It rotates and tips and is supported by a lap stand, so both hands are free. I keep the quilt sandwich very loose in the hoop, so I can manipulate the quilt just as easily as if there were no hoop. The advantage of using the hoop is that it keeps the layers smooth and lifts the quilt sandwich up for you.

I have only had quilted a small lap quilt. Used a hoop but wasn't comfortable with it. Will try the no hoop method next time

I have only handquilted on a frame or a large quilting hoop. My question is: has anyone ever used those little plastic things (like the ones that hold tags on clothes), only the ones for holding layers together are not as long......they are applied with a little "gun". That is what I use to hold the sandwich before quilting....here is a hint on applying....I bought one of those lite panels for drop ceilings..the one that is a small grid....and place the quilt on top and then shoot thru the holes........enought height so needle goes straight thru without marking whatever table you are working on. Before that I would hand baste the layers down....But I must confess, I have not h/q for several years....now l/a, but I am thinking this winter after the holiday I will re-assemble my pvc frame and do one of my many tops......just for the practice and I loved the relaxation of the handquilting process....I can set up right in front of the tv in family room and w/ott light be a happy camper.