I use DMC thread, I don't know the numeric size but not the little balls, but at joann's its right next to the emb floss and is bundled in a single braided loop. The colors are just fantastic. You don't separate the thread like with floss. It is a little thicker than emb thread. I use a crewel needle and big stitch w/o a thimble. When I do regular hand quilting I always use a thimble. I have a 16" hoop that I use, mostly to prevent puckers on the back, but have quilted w/o a hoop and had alright results. I try to keep it consistent, using a hoop for the whole thing or going hoopless for the whole thing.