I can't quilt or sew with a thimble. When I handquilted I used my fingernail to push the needle. Eventually I would drill a hole in my nail. I did finally find a thimble that I could use but then I could not start a new set of stitches with it on because I use my index finger and my thumb to manipulate the needle so I would slide the thimble on and off as I worked. But as soon as my fingernail grew out enough I was back to only using the thimble to push the fully loaded needle through. I did learn the rocking motion.
We used to have an active member here from Germany (borntohandquilt). that did amazing hand quilting doing only stitch at a time. She also did not use a thimble. Unfortunately she has not participated on the board for a very long time. Here is a link to just one of her posts where she described how she quilted with lots of pictures:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html
and here is a link to one of her completed quilts.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...g-t206709.html
So the purpose of this response is to assure you there is no right or wrong way to hand quilt. We all do what is most comfortable and works best for us.