I have just started quilting my first full sized quilt without a hoop, mostly to make it more portable. I seem to be "fighting" the bulk of the quilt constantly, turning it, etc. Perhaps it is the nature of my chosen design, an all-over "rose stipple", OR . . . any hints? Thanks

I have tied without a hoop but never quilted. I think I would be afraid to try.

oh who was that? Georgia Bonesteel maybe- lap quilting book out on that.

Your pattern is probably contributing to the problem because it requires you to turn the quilt a lot.

I tried hand quilting without a hoop, but actually found quilting with a hoop to be easier. Also, my stitches (especially on the back) were not nearly as nice without a hoop.

Here is a link to the hoop I really like. It is easy to turn the hoop in any direction and to any angle for a pattern such as yours. If you do use a hoop, just remember that the quilt is not supposed to be drum-tight. Keeping it very loose (I was told a fist-width of "give") makes it much more similar to quilting without a hoop in that you are very free to manipulate the fabric onto the needle.

http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9113.htm

The only hoopless quilting I've done is with blocks that were later stitched together for a top. I stopped quilting 1" from the edges, but left lengths of thread hanging so that once the blocks were sewn together, I could connect the quilting.

For a larger quilt, I like the lap stand combo, because I can tuck some of the quilt into the space between the hoops. I feel I have more control of the bulk then. http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...4/product.html

I never use a hoop. I've handquilted a couple of queen-sized quilts by putting my ironing board at lap level in front of the chair I'm sitting in. I drape as much as I can over the ironing board and loosely stuff the rest of it around me. I pin a lot--every 2-3 inches. I find the ironing board takes a lot of the weight off the quilt and makes it very easy to move from section to section when quilting. I know this won't work for everyone but I find by having the extra draped over the ironing board I also keep the quilt smooth and pulled a little tight. If it pulls too tightly, move the ironing board away from you so it drapes more. Again, this works for me so I thought I'd suggest it. It also helps to keep half the quilt off me in this heat.
Peace-Jan

You're absolutely right about using the ironing board....hadn't thought of that. I don't use a hoop when I hand quilt either, BUT, I have a coffee table in the living room that rises to a comfortable level and place as much of the quilt on it as possible whereby I am free to use both hands one above and one below just like with a hoop but more freedom I find. when not in the living room, I have a craft table in my sewing room that I use the same thing for. It's all about being comfy while quilting.....for me anyway.

My first quilt that I made I tied it using a hoop and did not like it at all.

My sister had a small frame and I tried that and it was great, my husband took the measurements and made me one. It works wonderful and you can take it apart and it will take up no room. It is made out of PVC pipe I know Hancocks sell them but of course I think they run around $200.00.
Cheaper to make your own.

:) cassiemae