I use a metal thimble that has a ridge around the top so the needle does not slip off, after years of sewing with out a thimble I found the way for me to used to one was to wear it all day, and to keep it on, wet finger before putting on thimble, really keeps it in place, good luck, I could not do any hand sewing without mine now, and a couple of weeks ago, Midnight knocked my thimble off thr table and still have nor found it, so ordered 4 more just in case LOL