I can't use metal thimbles either! They go flying across the room ! I use a leather one with a metal insert in side and end of it. They hard to find, but come in all sizes. The one I'm using now has been super glued twice. I have others, but the old one feels the best. I have callous on two fingers on left hand, the ones under quilt. If I quilt a lot, 6 or 8 hours strait when getting Christmas gifts done, I have to use emery board and sand down callous! :lol: :lol: So just do what feels best for you! Ninnie in NC