To Tilt or Not to Tilt?
 

Hey everyone, would love feedback from those of you who hand quilt on a laptop hoop. What size (14"?) and brand of laptop hoop do you find works best, AND do you prefer it to be on a base that tilts or on a flat base? Your feedback is invaluable...thank you in advance for your reply!

I absolutely love Thimble Lady's hoop. It is hands-free & maintains a consistent tilt to help me achieve nice, even stitches in the most comfortable position. I have loads of neck & back problems, but have no issues working with her hoop. I use a modified version of her quilting method -- working with an Aunt Becky -- so I keep the sandwich very, very loose in the hoop.
http://www.thimblelady.com/hand-quil...mbleladys-way/

Thank you so much for your feedback. I have an Aunt Becky also, but looking into a laptop hoop. Considering the swivel from the Grace Company, the 14" square hoop from Barnett's and the round 14" from Jean Brown.

Yeah, it is a lap hoop. You sit on it.

I use just a cheapie round 14" (?) hoop from JAF. I've been quilting for about 15 yrs and am on my second one. At just a couple of $$, it's not worth it to me to go for the big bucks on a hoop. It is not mounted on a base which I prefer. I can move around whichever way I want in my chair to quilt. Sometimes I don't even use a hoop - just hoopless in my lap. I don't notice a difference in my stitches hooped or not.

I use a square plastic q-snap frame, I prefer to quilt in my recliner and can prop it at different angles.

I attended a hand quilting class last week at the AQS in Des Moines. The instructor recommended either the Grace hoop on a stand or the or the square hoop from Barnett. I personally use a 14 inch hoop from JAF. I have used it for several years. I also prefer to quilt in my recliner, and I can turn my hoop any which way.

When I hand quilted I used a 14" non slip hoop. It was made of heavy duty plastic, very similar to the Dritz no slip hoop. It was not on a stand of any sort. This worked well for me because I could manipulate the hoop anyway I wanted to be comfortable.

Thank you, everyone, for your opinions! So good to hear different perspectives from those who have had experience.

I found quilting without a hoop works very well for me. I machine baste the quilt with water solvable thread..about every 4 inches...so everything stays intact.