Thank you all for the wonderful replies! I will have to look into the two thimble method. For right now I think the answer is to practice practice practice. I really look forward to "hanging out" with you all; I have been lurking for a couple of months and have found these boards to be an invaluable resource :)

I do hand quilting, but I am afraid it is not that wonderful "rocking" method. I just cannot do it.. my method?..push needle up from the bottom, then down and then up. then down and back up. repeat....LOL...takes longer, but so far no one has complained how it looks and I usually do it while watching tv, so I don't mind. or I just tie it.

I am right handed and only handquilt in a hoop. My left hand is underneath and I feel for the needle to scrape my index finger. When my index finger gets sore, I switch to my middle finger. Eventually I build up a callous. I have to feel the needle but many can do it with a thimble on their underneath finger. There is also a tool called an "Aunt Becky" that can assist with this and if you want to go real old school, you can use a spoon. I am fine with using my finger.

I would recommend choosing a different batting in the future. W&N is an absolute bear to handquilt and while you can, I think you will find other battings much more cooperative and easier to needle. W&N is fine for machine quilting. If you prefer 100% cotton, spring for Quilters Dream or Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon. You will notice an improvement in ease of stitching and getting smaller stitches immediately.

Erinezavala, even stitches on the back will come with practice.

Apart from lots of practice try using a slightly longer needle might make all the difference and you can still keep your stitches small

Welcome and I have had the same problem. Good suggestions to fix it.