How did you learn to use a thimble?
#51
I never did learn to use one. When I put one on, I automatically use the finger NEXT to the one with thimble. Weird! Maybe if I use 1 on each of my fingers???? all at the same time? Guess I am just stuck (no pun intended) with putting holes in my flesh.......
#52
I can remember that at first I hated thimbles. But I kept trying one off and on and eventually it started to feel natural. Now I can't imagine not using one. I think the key is just to persevere. It feels unnatural at first but eventually you just "get it" and it becomes second nature.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Morganton, Ga
Posts: 944
It wasn't till I found the coin/leather thimbles that I could stand to have one on my fingers. My fingers are not tapered and all the regular metal thimbles felt clumsy. The neat thing about the leather ones is that they begin to shape themselves to your finger after some use. Now all I have to do is find something to use on the underside finger, it gets sore and poked as the needle is pushed through to the back.
#56
I couldn't get used to the metal thimbles, but was administrative support over 20 yrs & used the rubber fingertips for paperwork. After designing a teddy bear & making lots of them, putting the needle through the end of my fingers, I used one of the rubber fingertips I'd been used to & have not had a problem since. Well, occasionally I forget I have it on & try to do other things... LOL!
#59
I have tried every kind of thimble too. The soft one with metal tip worked for a while before my nail grew out. I use the leather dots. Most of the time I forget to use them unless I'm working on something really thick.
#60
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 4
In my 40 years of sewing I used a thimble on the rarest occasions, mostly to push a sewing needle through several layers of thick fabric. I just started hand quilting my first quilt 2 weeks ago and I had one that fit me, so I started using it. Within minutes I discovered it was either completely worn out or cheap junk (which I think it is). Stopped using it and used my finger to rock and push. Poked myself deeply, twice in the same spot, and ran to the store. The only one I could find that would fit somewhat was the Collins Safety Thimble, size Large.
I used it on my middle finger to push the needle through, but had to take it off each time I took a stitch, because I couldn't feel my needle! Finally after 2-3 days of forcing myself to wear it, I am comfortable with it and it contributes greatly to the quality of the work!! I don't use a thimble underneath, haven't had any need to as of yet, as I rarely touch the point.
I would love to know where to purchase thimbles for mens hands! It's very hard to find large thimbles. I'm don't have big hands, but nonetheless, I have a man's hand.
I used it on my middle finger to push the needle through, but had to take it off each time I took a stitch, because I couldn't feel my needle! Finally after 2-3 days of forcing myself to wear it, I am comfortable with it and it contributes greatly to the quality of the work!! I don't use a thimble underneath, haven't had any need to as of yet, as I rarely touch the point.
I would love to know where to purchase thimbles for mens hands! It's very hard to find large thimbles. I'm don't have big hands, but nonetheless, I have a man's hand.
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