SophieHatter

More questions! Is a quilt hoop necessary for hand quilting? Is hand quilting without one a thing, and how does it compare?

I guess the basting method may be relevant here? I am planning on pin-basting the quilt, I could potentially zig-zag stitch it but have no intention whatsoever of using those sprays or sticky backings. So I might need the hoop to keep it all in place?

Also, my quilt top is a bit, er, not exactly 100% flat, so I will be wanting to distribute the slight extra bits evenly rather than going for perfectly lined up (I know, I know, but I'm not aiming for professional show quality here and my chances of getting it in a straighter line if I try again are very low...) Which makes me think a hoop might result in it all going even more skew-whiff?

Tartan

I do like a hoop for hand quilting as it keeps the back from getting wrinkles in it. I hoop an area taut and then gently press the center down a bit so there is enough give in the hooped area to load my needle with a rocking stitch.

bakermom

if your quilt is well basted you can quilt without a hoop. I do it that way, largest i have done is a double size quilt. I find it is easier than using a hoop.

bearisgray

I have a friend that does lovely hand quilting without using a hoop.

She does it one stitch at a time.

coopah

I get a better result with a hoop. Could you borrow a hoop to try it out and then decide?

CurliQ

I don't use a hoop. My stitches are much more controlled without one.

leaha

I do not use a Hoop I just do lap quilting like Georgia Bonesteel I have a hoop a frame and a couple of other gadgets for hand quilting, and do not use any of them, just be careful you do not quilt in your jeans or what ever you are wearing, lol been there done that!

Macybaby

I like using a hoop as I work two handed, one underneath and one on top and pass the needle between them. I can balance the hoop so it stays in place and I don't need to be hanging on to it as a stitch. I do needlepoint and cross stitch the same way.

Boston1954

I have always used a hoop, but there are many who can do it without.

sewbizgirl

I prefer no hoop... but I don't hand quilt all that much.