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Thread: thimble thimble whos got the thimble

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  1. 10-25-2014, 01:45 PM #1
    sophia
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    thimble thimble whos got the thimble

    I am just starting to learn how to do some hand quilting. How do you all learn how to use a thimble? I have the clover thimble with the rubber thing on it. but I like to use my pointer finger. what kind of thimbles do you use. I find when use my middle finger with the thimble it is so hard to get my fingers working. and I go back to the pointer finger and well it is just like my mind won't let me use it I know this is a stupid question
    but I want to learn maybe the old saying is true can't teach an old dog new tricks haha I have been piecing for some time but never hand quilted
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  2. 10-25-2014, 01:52 PM #2
    bakermom
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    While I do use a thimble part of the time, I tape my fingers with adhesive tape to protect them instead of a thimble
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  3. 10-25-2014, 02:33 PM #3
    Tartan
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    I use a John James metal thimble on my index finger when quilting side ways. I use a thimble on my thumb to quilt away from myself. Use what works for you.
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  4. 10-25-2014, 02:38 PM #4
    Onebyone
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    You'll never learn the advantages of using a thimble if you put it on the pointer finger. That is the same as using the left foot for the brake and the right for the gas. Not safe or sensible at all. The way I learned to have a thimble be second nature when hand sewing was to have my finger poked enough times that tears would come. And I did not want an ugly callous on my finger.
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  5. 10-25-2014, 03:19 PM #5
    joe'smom
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    I use a thimblelady thimble, which fits down on the finger rather than on the tip. With her method, there is no pricking of the underneath finger. Her book is called 'Perfect Hand Quilting without Pain'. Roxanne McElroy's book 'That Perfect Stitch' is also very inspiring, and has excellent photos and descriptions. Yes, you can learn to do it! Just keep at it. It took me a long time to get it.
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  6. 10-26-2014, 05:50 AM #6
    Geri B
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    Quote Originally Posted by joe'smom View Post
    I use a thimblelady thimble, which fits down on the finger rather than on the tip. With her method, there is no pricking of the underneath finger. Her book is called 'Perfect Hand Quilting without Pain'. Roxanne McElroy's book 'That Perfect Stitch' is also very inspiring, and has excellent photos and descriptions. Yes, you can learn to do it! Just keep at it. It took me a long time to get it.
    ....out of curiosity went to amazon.....PRICEY!!!!!! Went to her website......PRICEY!!!!too! Really would have to think twice about that investment.....would like to "try" that method out, but not at that price!
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  7. 10-26-2014, 04:51 PM #7
    NJ Quilter
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    Quote Originally Posted by Geri B View Post
    ....out of curiosity went to amazon.....PRICEY!!!!!! Went to her website......PRICEY!!!!too! Really would have to think twice about that investment.....would like to "try" that method out, but not at that price!
    I never purchased the book. Initially I bought the plastic version of her thimble for about $15. I later upgraded to the stainless steel version - about $25. I am on my second s/s of her thimble. After what I spent on leather, various metal ones that didn't fit correctly or didn't hold the needle well enough I don't the the $65 on 3 thimbles that actually work well (for me) is not that expensive. Not compared to some of the other tools we use for this craft.
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  8. 10-27-2014, 07:02 PM #8
    mme3924
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    Well, once again, I'll say what I do. I've used thimbles off and on for garment sewing over the years but when I began to try to learn hand quilting, I realized the thimble was driving me crazy. I bought 4 or 5, metal and the soft rubber or vinyl kind. Nothing worked well; they wouldn't stay on, or they got in the way. In desperation on day I cut the thumb and finger out of an old kid glove (dress glove) that fit my hand nicely, and what do you know?! The glove fingers fit, stay on, and protect my fingers. I cut the glove fingers rather long, at least two inches and they stay on well. I still have problems wearing something on the under hand, though, because I need to "feel" the needle.

    I do at times use the soft rubber thimble I bought, along with the glove fingers, but I don't think I'll ever learn to use a metal thimble for hand quilting.
    Last edited by mme3924; 10-27-2014 at 07:05 PM.
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  9. 10-25-2014, 03:33 PM #9
    ManiacQuilter2
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    I took an inexpensive hand quilting intro class at my former LQS. But I never really enjoyed hand quilting.
    A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
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  10. 10-25-2014, 03:35 PM #10
    madamekelly
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    I have discovered the silicone finger cots that are sold at office supply stores, I can sew all day and no pain.
    If you always do, what you have always done, The results never change. Change is the wings you give yourself.
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