Have you ever quilted so much that your fingers got sore? I mean actually split and bleed? Yeah, seriously. I plan to hand-quilt 5 quilts in a relatively short time, and I did almost a whole one this weekend. My index finger on my right hand is actually split. owwwie. Does anyone use one of those leather thimbles? Do they work?

I can't help with the thimble question.. I do use thimbles... but how I wish we were closer so I could watch you work!! I feel that I need to watch an experienced quilter at work!

sigh...

will be watching the responses... Hope your fingers heal quickly!!

The leather thimbles work very well. Try and pace yourself and take care of those fingers. I have a friend who uses a product called New Skin when she does this type of injury and always uses a thimble. Take care.

I hand quilt and use a leather thimble some of the time. I'm trying to get my fingers calloused up by not using a thimble. I'm like you, I can only quilt so long before my fingers are bleeding. I've also used a leather thimble with the metal mesh coin inserted. It took me awhile to get used to this, but I do like it. Good luck getting all your quilts done so fast.

I LOVE your Avatar pic! Did you do it?

I'm not actually good at it, but I like to do it, so I do it and the quilts are going to be for my sisters, so they won't mind if they are not good. No quilt police here. I use a metal thimble on my "pushing" finger, but on my needle-gripping finger, I don't, and that's the one that's split now.

Thanks, yes, that's a Queen size whole cloth that I did by hand. My first whole cloth.

Hand quilting does cause sore fingers. Yes usually more than 1.
I have had them split and bleed too.

I use the leather thimble when I tie my quilts and it definitely does work. I buy when the 50% off coupons are out at Joann's.

I have a friend that uses little patches that stick to your fingers like a band aid I do not know what they are called but you can get them at LQS and at Joann's, she puts them on her push finger and her needle finger she really likes them.

Try using Bag Balm on your hands at night with cotton gloves on them so that the balm doesn't get on everything else. It heals the cracks and helps with the pain.