I took a class from Phyllis Klein years ago and she taught us to use a thimble on our right hand (pushing finger) and one on the left as the receiving finger. We were told to wear them around the house a few days to get the feel of them. Oh, and the tops of the thimbles had a recess with the edge on the left hand (I am right handed) and the needle would slide off the edge. I've used this method ever since and love it. My fingers don't get sore very easy and yes it did take a few sessions for me to get used to it. I also used the recessed top edge ones on my right hand also. I've tried many thimbles and this works the best for me. I don't know many quilters that do this.