Or neither. When I hand quilt I hold the whole thing in my hand. It is really what you find to be most comfortable for you.

I have tried machine quilting but it is too frustrating for me. There is more that one stitch to hand quilting. The rocking stitch and the jab stitch. I use the jab stitch since I can not do the rocking stitch. With all these methods they require practice, practice, practice. I find the hand quilting relaxing. I do not accomplish as many quilts as those who machine quilt but that is okay.

I did not know there was more stitches. What is the jab stitch maybe that would work better for me

The jab stitch is putting the needle through the quilt (straight down with right hand if right handed) and then pushing it back up with the left hand underneath, approximately 1/4 inch away. This is personal preference on how far apart you want them. I do a lot of stippling so I follow the design that I have traced on the quilt. I use a hoop that sits on my knees so it is easy to have my left hand underneath the quilt.
I was not able to master the rocking stitch and my teacher who wins prizes for her quilts uses this jab stitch. It takes practice to get consistant but that's the same whatever you do.
I hope I explained this well enough.

I need to occasionally get something DONE so machine quilting is my only option. I don't think it's an either/or proposition. I think people just gravitate toward one method or the other.

I have used my machine and even tied quilts. However, i find hand quilting to be my favorite. I use a large hoop. One day I'd like to get a frame. Just have fun and don't worry about it all being perfect! XO Sandra

thank you - you did explain it very well. just one question, would it work if I put the quilt on a frame

Yes, you could use frame. It wouldn't be any different that doing the rocking stitch on a quilt on a frame. I have a frame with a quilt on it but so far it is for looks as I don't have it in a convenient place to work on it, so I use a hoop in front of the TV. The quilt on the frame was one of the first quilts that I used my embroidery machine for.
I really need to quilt it one of these days.

I also do the jab stitch. I could not master the rocking stitch either but I have my left hand on top and my right hand on the bottom. I am right handed so my eye-hand co-ordination is better with my right hand. I know hwat it is doing under there but I have to keep an eye on my left hand so it is on top.

I love to Hand Quilt thats all I know I was going to ask about machine quilting and any advice on Long-arm machines