I use Japanese thimbles that are used for sashiko quilting, as my fingers are too tapered to hold a thimble. The first type is like a ring that goes around between your first and second joint of your finger(I use my middle finger for this). The metal one has little indentations in it like a normal thimble does. I have plastic ones which are coated in leather as well. The second type has a palm plate with indentations in it. You put it on in the same way as you put on a ring and the palm plat rests like a small disc at the base of your finger and you press with your palm. Clover make both varieties.