Oh how I wish you lived close to me as I love showing people how to hand quilt. I guess because I love to hand quilt.
Watch some videos on Youtube to get information, and everyone has a different style that works for them, so just keep trying different ways until you feel comfortable with what is happening. Practice, practice. Take a class from someone who can offer you suggestions. Ask around you just might find someone who is willing to spend a little time demonstrating and helping you out.
I use tape on my underneath finger -- it needs to be replaced often because I go through to the back till I can feel the needle come through, and as a result I poke myself -- and often.
One more thing: Blood. Yes, you can take out your blood with your own spit. Dampen a light cloth with some of your spit and dab the blood out. Your spit won't work on my blood, but it will work on yours.
Good luck and please let us know how you make out.