I hate thimbles

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04-12-2011, 05:12 PM

#31

Elsie

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: central Illinois

Posts: 923

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaigai

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltingGrannie

I can't be the only one who hates thimbles. They are big, bulky and don't fit my fingers.

Any suggestions for a really good finger tip cover that fits well, protects my finger when hand sewing the bindings on quilts?

Thanks.

For one thing, make sure you wearing the thimble on the correct finger--your middle finger, not your index finger. Some people try to wear them on the index finger, and that is incorrect. Thimbles are like any other piece of clothing--you need to chose the correct size. Try some on to get the correct fit. It should be snug, not loose, but not too tight.

I LOVE my Roxanne thimble. It has an open nail area, so it doesn't sweat, and you can wear it with long fingernails. After you get used to the weight, you forget it's there. But like I said, you have to have the correct size.

Then, wear it for a couple of hours without sewing, just to get used to the feel. After that you should be home free.

they say to wear your thimble till you get use to it i did and i forgot i had it on when i was driving i finally notice it so i had to put it in my pocket when i went to get it i couldn't fine it then it drawn on me that i put it in my pocket

04-12-2011, 07:24 PM

#32

emerald46

Guest

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Cypress, Texas

Posts: 4,728

I hate them too. I have nails and normally just stack a couple of bandaids on top of each other.

04-12-2011, 07:25 PM

#33

incoming2me

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Indiana

Posts: 745

Leather thimbles here... one longer one on my middle left and a short fingertip sized one on my left thumb.
I never could get a metal/plastic hard type thimble to work for me!

04-12-2011, 09:01 PM

#34

Gramie bj

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Riverside Washington

Posts: 1,508

I love my thimbles,Have had them for years my favorite belonged to my Grandma it has a dent on the tip and one side, you have to put it on just right or it will not fit but it feels like part of my hand. I find my self reching for it before I reach for the needle.

04-12-2011, 09:03 PM

#35

roselady

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2008

Location: central California

Posts: 636

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaigai

For one thing, make sure you wearing the thimble on the correct finger--your middle finger, not your index finger. Some people try to wear them on the index finger, and that is incorrect.

Gaigai, for shame! You are sounding too much like the QP here! ;)

It may not be correct but I use a thimble on my index finger. I know it is not supposed to be that way but it is what works for me! I take it off and slip it back on as I start every needle full of quilting stitches. I only use a thimble sporadically and only when hand quilting. I don't use a thimble when hand sewing on bindings or applique. I have one for my thumb too! Both of my thimbles are TJ Lane thimbles which are the same as Roxanne thimbles. Same shocking price tag too!

I don't think you are alone, Alex Anderson uses her index finger (with a thimble) to hand quilt.

04-12-2011, 09:20 PM

#36

Holice

Banned

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

I learned to use a thimble when I was in the Army (many years ago) when I had to sew patches on my uniforms. It works great to teach one the necessity of a thimble. I'm thinking about adding this as an exercise at the beginning of my hand quiting classes.

04-13-2011, 03:02 AM

#37

Becky Crafts

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Florida

Posts: 1,560

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltingGrannie

I hate them too & always seem to use the fingers without one even when I do use one. I've taken to using the rubber finger tips from office supply made to help turn pages easier. They fit better, seem to stop the needle from going through my finger & doesn't stop me from using the finger it's on.

04-13-2011, 03:22 AM

#38

LivelyLady

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Western MA

Posts: 2,720

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaigai

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltingGrannie

I agree....having a good fitting thimble makes all the difference in the world. I can't hand quilt without one. Until I got my silver fitted one I was putting silly putty in my other one to make it fit.

04-13-2011, 03:26 AM

#39

NJ Quilter

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Central NJ

Posts: 5,570

Not trying to be QP here either but I agree with everything gaigai says. Getting the proper fit for a thimble is the first key point. I use a Thimblelady thimble - like Roxanne's has an open end so nails go through and no sweating. And I agree that the middle finger is the best so you're not on and off constantly while having to pull the needle. I also find it much more comfortable and less painful to push with the pad of the finger versus the tip. At least this keeps one of my fingers from looking like hamburger cuz my 'under' fingers certainly do!

04-13-2011, 03:30 AM

#40

janeknapp

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Marion, IA

Posts: 462

I LOVE the leather coin thimble by Clover. The dimpled metal "coin" makes it easier to push the needle compared to just leather. It's very comfortable and comes in several sizes. Over time it stretches a little and may be too loose. It costs about $11, but Joann's coupons make the price more reasonable.