Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Can you hand quilt without a thimble? >

Can you hand quilt without a thimble?

Can you hand quilt without a thimble?

Old 05-05-2013, 10:24 PM
  #11  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
Default

Hi Dina,
yes, you can quilt without a thimble. I think it's a matter of the technique you use. There is no wrong or right, whatever works for you is okay. I have never got used to a thimble and because I am self-taught my way of quilting is not the "regular" rocking stitch. I do single stitches, but not stab stitching. Maybe you are interested in seeing how it looks like, here you can find some pictures:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html

Enjoy your hand quilting time!
Borntohandquilt is offline  
Old 05-05-2013, 10:59 PM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,674
Default

Yes . But I have long finger nails and use them .
DOTTYMO is offline  
Old 05-05-2013, 11:41 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,257
Default

I use a rocking stitch and could not do it without a thimble. Stab stitching would seem to take a long time. But like others have said, try different things and do what seems most natural to you. There are probably lots of good videos on youtube to get different ideas.
CindyA is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 12:31 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
willis.debra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cleburne, Texas, USA
Posts: 341
Default

You can hand quilt with or without a thimble. You can get used to using a thimble. It is totally up to you and what you find comfortable and workable. I never used a thimble before quilting. I use one all the time now on my middle finger. I also quilt with my thumb and I don't use a thimble. None fit. I push the needle with my thumbnail. Do what feels right to you.
willis.debra is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 12:42 AM
  #15  
Super Member
 
nygal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 5,665
Default

I have tried using different kinds of thimbles over the years but just can't get use to them. I hand quilt without one. I admit some times my fingers look like pin cushions but I've never drawn blood and after a day off of quilting I am back quilting again. I am just use to it. I do remember once at a quilt show someone was selling sterling silver thimbles and that particular one I tried on did feel great but at the time I was not willing to spend $65.00 for it.
nygal is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 03:03 AM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 246
Default

Can, do, and will hand quilt without a thimble. Of course, the fingers get sore and calloused but it works for me.
schoolteacher is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:20 AM
  #17  
Power Poster
 
BellaBoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Default

You can quilt without a thimble but why? I don't want a callous on my finger and pin pricks hurt. The best thimble I have used is this one:
http://stores.delphinesquiltshop.com...ble/Detail.bok
The Clover silicone thimble is a favorite of mine too. http://www.clover-usa.com/product/27..._Grip_Thimbles I forget I have a thimble on and that's how I lose so many and have several in the bottom of my purse. LOL

Last edited by BellaBoo; 05-06-2013 at 06:25 AM.
BellaBoo is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 06:29 AM
  #18  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,370
Default

Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt View Post
Hi Dina,
yes, you can quilt without a thimble. I think it's a matter of the technique you use. There is no wrong or right, whatever works for you is okay. I have never got used to a thimble and because I am self-taught my way of quilting is not the "regular" rocking stitch. I do single stitches, but not stab stitching. Maybe you are interested in seeing how it looks like, here you can find some pictures:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t142087.html

Enjoy your hand quilting time!
Her handquilting is absolutely exquisite!

I also like the Clover silicone thimble - Clover calls it a "Protect and Grip" thimble - it has a metal top and soft sides that mold nicely to one's finger. It comes in various sizes. I think it costs $9-$10 dollars -

I prefer to hand sew with a thimble - but it did take some getting used to.
bearisgray is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:09 AM
  #19  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,371
Default

I hadn't used a thimble before I started hand quilting. I tried out several different ones,then put it on my finger and wore it all day around the house. After a couple of days,it became second nature.
francie yuhas is offline  
Old 05-06-2013, 07:20 AM
  #20  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Dina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,500
Default

Thanks for all your answers!! I feel better. Now to see if I want to hand quilt...and if I want to give the thimble another try...

Dina
Dina is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sophia
Main
39
10-28-2014 09:59 AM
tropit
Main
54
12-18-2013 08:46 PM
Krystyna
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
77
07-26-2011 11:25 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter