Practice, practice, practice.

Please do keep trying... It is a little challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it... so rewarding! I use the "thimblelady" thimble and "Thimble-it" dots on my underfinger... but still have a little callous going due to occasional sticks...

You know you're a quilter when you're proud of your little callous.
(sheepish grin)

The "punch up or down" method to loosen quilt does not work with Q-snap like it does with a hoop.

The most important thing is to keep trying and keep doing it. Eventually, you'll get it down! Unfortunately, there's no easy fix. It's like learning how to ride a bike. Practice, practice, practice, but once you get it down, you've got it ;)

What do you mean when you say "rock the stitches"?

I have to apologize. Your post made me laugh so hard and I know it is not funny to you. It sounds like everything that could go wrong, DID!

First of all, leave the frame for now. For a small piece you don't need it.
Second, any knot is fine as long as it will snap under the top and be hidden in the batting. I personally like the quilters knot and use it all the time for everything.
Third, just do one stitch at a time. It is just a simple running stitch. When you can do one stitch well, without problems, and you are used to using the thimble, then try taking 2 stitches, etc. I couldn't rock my stitches at first either.

Remember, there are no quilt police, so whatever works for you is OK.

What does it mean to rock your stitches?

I don't mean any disrespect..but...that was the funniest post EVER! I have never hand quilted, and thought I would give it a try soon. Thanks for the warnings, and the very needed laugh!

It takes some time to get comfortable with hand quilting, so don't feel bad. I use a small hoop, maybe 8", and it's not super tight into the hoop. I don't use rocking stitches for super tiny work, just a single stitch at a time. The only time I do well with rocking stitches is if I hold the quilt with no hoop. I also don't use a thimble anymore, if my fingers get too sore I use painter's tape. LOL I also draw blood at times, so I'm with you on that part. You have the right idea by just practicing over and over, eventually it will be second nature.

have to agree with nearly all the comments - leave the frame alone for now and just try it held in your hands and one stitch at a time - it will get easier promise!!