I have been handquilting for at least 40 years. I always use a thimble. I prefer a leather one. The white or tan leather ones work the best for me. If they have a little metal or plastic coin shaped piece in them all the better. I use a plastic snap embroidery hoop for small projects and have larger wooden round and a square hoop for larger quilts. With a larger hoop I can quilt with both hands. If using both hands I also wear a thimble on my left thumb . The advice about not making the hooping real tight works best and practice will make your stitches smaller over time. The important part is to be constistant whatever size they end up. Handquilting makes it possible to take your project anywhere. I can enjoy TV and conversation with my family and or friends and still get a lot done.