I can't hand sew anything without my thimble...... but I have changed the style of thimble I use over the years. I now use a leather thimble with the round metal coin that is strong enough to push the needle through the layers. I think it stays on my finger the best. The old metal ones slip off too easily and I spend too much time putting the thimble back on.
Let us know how you do.... finding a method that will work for you.