I hand quilt large quilts without a thimble because I have a lessened sense of touch - I can't feel the needle as it is, a thimble is very confusing! I use -- HORROR! - the underside of my fingernail to push the needle with my rocking stitch. Granted I rarely load more than 2 stitches, usually just one at a time, but I have *never* forced the needle eye far under the nail and hurt myself. I also do not use a thimble on the under hand and just build a callus on the under finger pad.
Jan in VA