Hand Quilting is time and patience. You may find your own way of doing it and love it. Yes the under hand which waits for that needle to come threw does get a beating. I don't use thimbles, I've tried and tried. I can only use the little leather dots that stick to my fingers. It's what I've gotten accustomed to and I find I have control over my needle. I like tiny stitches and just can't get them with a thimble. Just practice and practice and watch a lot of You Tubes, the light bulb will go off and you'll be on your way.