I haven't been able to use thimbles either. I have tried--but when I wear one, I just hold that finger up and don't use it at all. Can be quite embarrassing if you know what I mean... :oops: What I use instead is a fabric bandage wrapped around my finger. The plastic bandages don't work as well--I think there must be more padding in the fabric ones. When the bandage gets too many holes in it and breaks down, I just put on a new one. Has saved my skin (literally...) lots of times! I just carry a box of BandAids with me in my sewing basket. Works like a charm!