Learning to use a thimble
I learned to use a thimble from my Mother, who learned from her Mother, who learned from her Mother. I know not everyone grows up sewing and quilting and learns later in life. I grew up in the 50's and 60's when country folks sewed and quilted. I use the thimble on my middle finger, and it helps push the needle through the fabric. I cannot sew without one, because that is how I learned to sew by hand and quilt by hand. I can see how a thimble on your thumb would help when you are hand quilting.