I have found through trial and error that you don't have to have sore fingers on the underneath hand when quilting. I picked up a really good tip in the Jeana Kimball book. When you push the needle down through the quilt, move your underneath fingers out of the way and push the needle through by about half an inch. Use the underneath finger to ease it back to the length of stitch you require whilst pulling the needle back with the top hand. At the same time, while 'backing up' use the needle tip to score along the stitching line on the back of the quilt, which will help to keep the stitches straight. Concentrate as much as possible on keeping the needle vertical as it passes through. I hope this makes sense, it works for me - I don't use a hoop at all and find this method doesn't make your wrist or fingers ache either. It probably sounds a bit long winded but I find it quite quick.
