I tried just about every thimble out there but always experienced hand pain after quilting for very long. Then I saw a class by Deidre McElroy being offered at a quilt show on hand quilting. Took the class and bought a thimble and have never looked back. It was the best investment of time and money I could have made, as I can hand quilt for hours now. I use a round hoop that I put short legs on(enough room to get my hand under) and a round plywood bottom which sits nicely on my lap. Everyone is different and has their own preferences but this works great for me. Note...had tried Snap floor frame, Larry Flynn's floor frame, no hoop, etc. but my lap hoop is all I use now.