Great advice! Smaller needle, looser tension, or none at all if just quilting in your lap. Do make sure the sandwich is basted or pinned well. WTG to try it. It is much more relaxing than FMQ because YOU are in total control. Try to get your stitches evenand it will be even more relaxing. :lol:

I tried hand quilting without a hoop, but found my stitches were much better when using a hoop.

I took a hand quilting class that taught me to keep the quilt loose in the hoop. You should be able to depress the middle about the width of a fist (3 or 4 inches). That slack allows room for the rocking motion.

Both hands are important for making this stitch easy to do. The trick is learning to use the hands together.