I can't be the only one who hates thimbles. They are big, bulky and don't fit my fingers.

Any suggestions for a really good finger tip cover that fits well, protects my finger when hand sewing the bindings on quilts?

Thanks.

I hate them, too. Just never could get comfortable with one.

.I did, but over the years have got used to a very old silver one that is a delight to use. Until then, I used a leather thimble.

I hand sew with a leather thimble. I like it.

My finger gets sweaty in a metal one.

I don't like them either. I can never find a comfortable one. I usually push the needle with the finger beside the thimble.

I use Clear (Circle) Spots bandaids.

I learned to sew 30 years ago and have never been able to use one. If I try to wear one I end up pushing the needle with another finger.

I don't like them either. When I was doing a lot of Cross stitch, I would wear a bandaid on that finger cause I hated a thimble on it!

I prefer the leather quilter's thimble... Down side is that the leather wears through where the needle hits... :(

I wrap my fingers with adhesive tape

For one thing, make sure you wearing the thimble on the correct finger--your middle finger, not your index finger. Some people try to wear them on the index finger, and that is incorrect. Thimbles are like any other piece of clothing--you need to chose the correct size. Try some on to get the correct fit. It should be snug, not loose, but not too tight.

I LOVE my Roxanne thimble. It has an open nail area, so it doesn't sweat, and you can wear it with long fingernails. After you get used to the weight, you forget it's there. But like I said, you have to have the correct size.

Then, wear it for a couple of hours without sewing, just to get used to the feel. After that you should be home free.

I have A piece of soft leather I got from Tandy store many years ago. I cut a strip big enough to fit around my finger when folded inhalf lenth wise, sew up the two sides turn it inside out and it fits my finger real snug, WONDERFUL thimble. Remember you have to alow some extra for turning.I hope I have explained this so you could understand it.NOt good at explaining things.

That's what happens to me too!

me too!

I love the leather ones with the metal spot for pushing through. I think they are made by Clover. They are expensive, but I buy them when notions are 50% off at Hancocks or Joann's and then use them till they fall apart.

I finally found an old metal thimble that was bigger than the comercial ones I've seen around here. I love it...I did not like the leather ones but this one saves my fingers...

I won't hand sew without a thimble, I don't like pin gouges. Try this, Take an inexpensive metal thimble and lay it down on the side. Using a hammer hit it until the bottom becomes oval shaped. It will fit your finger so much better and will not fall off. I love the new Clover thimbles. They are the best I've used.

My mother used clear finger nail polish on the fingers she used to push the needle, then after awhile she had such a callus that she realy push a needle, i dont use a thimble cant find one to fit, so i use just my fingers and finger nails

I use the soft plastic thimbles. They are light weight and flexable. I paid $1.99 for mine at my LQS, about 2 yrs. ago.

I started out using a bandaid. That wasn't enough the needle would still go through it, so I used two bandaids at a time and from time to time would still have a needle eye go into my finger. Then I learned about these clear plastic sticky things called Thimble It. I now put a bandaid OVER it so the needle doesn't slip off of the sticky "thimble".

I no longer have hamburger tips (finger tips that look like they have went through a meat grinder)!

Diane, do you still post to your blog? I tried to go but it wouldn't work for me.

I love the leather ones.

It must be a newby thing cause I can't get use to them. So I did with out & built up sexy calluses :-)

Gaigai, for shame! You are sounding too much like the QP here! ;)

It may not be correct but I use a thimble on my index finger. I know it is not supposed to be that way but it is what works for me! I take it off and slip it back on as I start every needle full of quilting stitches. I only use a thimble sporadically and only when hand quilting. I don't use a thimble when hand sewing on bindings or applique. I have one for my thumb too! Both of my thimbles are TJ Lane thimbles which are the same as Roxanne thimbles. Same shocking price tag too!

I hate thimbles as well, but have found a leather one that covers my finger works well. Never could find a metal one that fit properly.. And the plastic or whatever material makes my fingers sweat.. Ugh, the things us quilter's endure...lol

I like the leather ones.

No QP here, I just figured since I initially made that mistake and had to be corrected (by the person who taught me how to hand quilt) that I might not be the only person. But one question: If you wear a thimble on your index finger, how do you grab the needle to pull it through? 'Cause I can't see how to do it. Just asking.

I like thimbles and sometimes use them when doing hand applique and hand quilting.

The thimble from Connecting Threads is the best alternative for me. It's comfortable, adjustable, and not cumbersome/bothersome.

Here's the link to the thimble I normally use (if needed):
http://www.connectingthreads.com/Ope...eThimbles.html

I patch mine with a piece of a worn out thimble. Makes them last longer.:)

I got a black rubbery one at Sew Expo a couple of years ago. It's the only one that I like. I like the idea of using one of the beautiful silver ones like my grandma and mom used. But they don't fit right, my finger sweats and I have one of those handwriting bumps on my finger and so the thimble hurts.

they say to wear your thimble till you get use to it i did and i forgot i had it on when i was driving i finally notice it so i had to put it in my pocket when i went to get it i couldn't fine it then it drawn on me that i put it in my pocket

I hate them too. I have nails and normally just stack a couple of bandaids on top of each other.

Leather thimbles here... one longer one on my middle left and a short fingertip sized one on my left thumb.
I never could get a metal/plastic hard type thimble to work for me!

I love my thimbles,Have had them for years my favorite belonged to my Grandma it has a dent on the tip and one side, you have to put it on just right or it will not fit but it feels like part of my hand. I find my self reching for it before I reach for the needle.

I don't think you are alone, Alex Anderson uses her index finger (with a thimble) to hand quilt.

I learned to use a thimble when I was in the Army (many years ago) when I had to sew patches on my uniforms. It works great to teach one the necessity of a thimble. I'm thinking about adding this as an exercise at the beginning of my hand quiting classes.

I hate them too & always seem to use the fingers without one even when I do use one. I've taken to using the rubber finger tips from office supply made to help turn pages easier. They fit better, seem to stop the needle from going through my finger & doesn't stop me from using the finger it's on.

I agree....having a good fitting thimble makes all the difference in the world. I can't hand quilt without one. Until I got my silver fitted one I was putting silly putty in my other one to make it fit.

Not trying to be QP here either but I agree with everything gaigai says. Getting the proper fit for a thimble is the first key point. I use a Thimblelady thimble - like Roxanne's has an open end so nails go through and no sweating. And I agree that the middle finger is the best so you're not on and off constantly while having to pull the needle. I also find it much more comfortable and less painful to push with the pad of the finger versus the tip. At least this keeps one of my fingers from looking like hamburger cuz my 'under' fingers certainly do!

I LOVE the leather coin thimble by Clover. The dimpled metal "coin" makes it easier to push the needle compared to just leather. It's very comfortable and comes in several sizes. Over time it stretches a little and may be too loose. It costs about $11, but Joann's coupons make the price more reasonable.