happyquiltmom

I can't imagine hand quilting without a thimble! Ouch!

I used to use a leather thimble until I pushed the eye end of the needle through my finger.

Believe it or not, my current favorite is a decorative ceramic thimble that happens to have a deep dimple. I also have an antique brass one that fits pretty well.
I guess the key to successful thimble use is finding one that fits without interfering with movement.

Retired Quilter

I tried many thimbles
without success. Finally, the leather one works for me. I also use the underthimble when hand quilting. For me it took practice, practice, practice.

ghostrider

I use ThimblePads, the little (3/8") self-adhesive leather dots that stick right on your fingertip. I do a lot of hand stitching, often through several layers of fused fabrics, and these pads have never slipped, never been penetrated and never failed me. They also work perfectly as a grip to pull the needle through any tough spots.

On the rare occasion that I hand quilt on the frame, I also wear one on my 'under' hand. They let me feel the pressure of the needle without actually sticking my finger. They can be reused four or five times before they stop sticking tight. I love them!

Pam Riggs

Glad to see that I am not the only one who can't use a thimble!!

Toni C

HAHAHA and I thought I was the only thimble dummy. When was young (in grade/high school) I embroidered so I got used to not using a thimble. Now I can't seem to get the hand of it LOL

QuiltingMia

I was just trying to figure the correct way to use a thimble last night. I was stitching my binding and it is my index finger that was hurting. Tried a metal thimble on that finger??? Then tried in on the middle finger, a little better but that still does not solve the problem of my hurting index finger??? I could use some advice also.

Geri B

I was told a loooong time ago, to wear the thimble for a day, just doing your regular things and your brain will accept it as a part of your finger and there won't be that auto not using that finger when sewing......It worked for me, and if I have not used a thimble for awhile, I will "wear" it for a few hours before doing my thimble sewing......just to remind my mind...

feline fanatic

I have a hard time using a thimble. When I hand quilt I will push the needle with my fingernail. I finally semi-trained myself to use the open ended thimbles (TJ Lane) but I am very unorthodox. I start my quilting stitch then I slip the thimble on my index finger and load up the needle that way. Constantly slipping it on and off my finger is very time consuming so I will use my nail until I drill hole through it and I am forced to use the thimble.

I would like to learn how to use one in the traditional way for when I hand sew bindings and do hand applique. I have poked myself several times doing that.

FroggyinTexas

[QUOTE=Holice;5221923]How did you learn to use a thimble? How were you taught to use it?
Any tricks for someone who can't use a thimble but is learning.


My mother bought me a thimble that fit and said, "Use this!" I can't imagine hand sewing without a thimble. I was doing embroidery while I waited at poolside for my great grandchildren one day and at least a dozen children came up and wanted to know what I was doing and what that metal thing on my finger was for. They told me their mothers didn't even know how to sew a button on.

A sewing group to which I belong does a workshop at the end of each summer for kids and their mothers who want to learn to sew. We do really simple projects so they have several things they make to take home. We give a basic sewing machine to one of the participants. You can't believe how many kids have never seen, much less used a sewing machine and how many have never ironed anything. Most of these kids are from upper or middle income families, so it isn't a matter of not having the money for equipment.

No wonder so many people look like they are wearing something out of a rag bag! froggyintexas

Kat Sews

I have used a thimble for many years, but like others had a hard time finding one to fit. I have scar tissue on my middle finger which alters the shape and shape of the finger. What works for me to make a metal thimble fit my finger and be comfortable is tape. I use the bandage tape that is quite soft, not adhesive tape, and stick it to the inside of the thimble. It pads the edge so it won't make my finger sore and adjusts the fit around the top edge to keep it from falling off. Some times I forget I am wearing it and have even started to clean house with it on until I hear the click when I pick up a broom.