My first two quilts I stabbed stiched. Didn't know any better. I'm glad they were just small lap quilts.
A friend of mine told me, "when you feel that needle prick your under finger, turn it up, when you see it coming through the fabric turn it down." I haven't had much trouble since. You do have to get a calous on your under the quilt finger.
Don't be discouraged, just practic,practic, practice.
simple quilter