Just checking - you are using a thimble that has a flat end with a ridge on it, right? That's to hold the needle as you're pushing it through several up and downs. It took me forever to learn to get the thread end of the needle in that ridge area (I kept using the side of my finger - the middle finger), but once getting it down, my stitches got smaller and much more even. As to grasping the thread, I use the little round balloons with the "neck" cut off and put one over my index finger. Works like a dream and I have a lifetime supply for a buck!