I use a leather thimble, called Nimble Thimble (I believe). It's black and has a small metal piece inside where you'd be hitting the needle a lot. I don't like the slits at the top sides.. They have sizes .... I use small as I have small hands. I also use the leather under thimble that has sticky on the back to stick to your finger. When it's too hot, it slips off. The Thimble Lady charges $100+ for her silver thimbles. My friends have them and swear by them. Too expensive for me to purchase.