I had a old pair of rubber gloves, cut out the thumb. Its thick enough to keep from pricking the thumb yet thin enough I can feel it. I had one on the thumb and one on the left finger as I use that a lot more than the thumb. Not that I am an expert hand quilter but enjoy it, just not the ugly's. It worked great. Also put a thin one on right hand to help pull the needle thru as I am always losing those needle puller round things. It works wonderful. As the commercial goes try it you'll like it.
Rita