I used that one for a long time. When I first started using a thimble I just couldn't . Found that one and used it for a long time. It just got too tight. Even heating it wasn't stretching it enough then the newer ones that came out seemed really cheap. Found an only metal thimble that worked well. Now I cant's sew without one.

I thought I was the only one who had trouble with thimbles. I use a leather one on my THUMB for hand quilting, and nothing on the hand underneath the quilt. After a few days of quilting, the middle finger underneath gets a callous and I'm a quilting machine. If I had to use my middle finger to quilt, I'd never be able to do it.

I could NEVER use a thimble until I bought a TJ Thimble. You will not regret the purchase. http://thimbles2fit.com/ They are made to fit your finger. Buy the open thimble (long finger nails are not a problem).

I'm the same way. I've tried all kinds and just can't get used to them. If my finger starts to get sore, I wrap that blue painter's tape around it which seems to work for me.

This brought back memories. I was teaching a beginner class and one of the ladies was having a terrible time adjusting to a thimble. I suggested she put it on and go about her daily work. The next week she came to class wearing her thimble. She told how she had gone grocery shopping and the checkout lady asked her why she was wearing a thimble? She said "I'm practicing for quilting class". After a couple weeks she came to class and from half way across the room, sang out, "I got it--it finally works". So don't give up. a leather thimble may be the answer for you. She has gone on to make some very lovely hand quilted projects.
Make sure the thimble you use actually fits your finger. If its to tight or to loose, you will have problems. It should stay on your finger when you hold your hand down, but not be so tight it hurts. Hope that helps.

When I was a child my Grandmother insisted that I learn to use a thimble. It was not easy. I used it for a bit each time I sewed and finally got used to having it on my finger. I now hand quilt with two thimbles, middle fingers of each hand. I use a silver thimble that was my Grandmother's on my right hand, and she is with me every stitch I take.

I love the Clover thimbles, I think they are silicone, they fit really good. You can get them in different colors, mine is yellow. The color denotes the size. They have the metal on the tip with a ridge around the outside to prevent the needle from slipping off. Before I found this, I always used the metal ones with the ridge, as the needle was always slipping off the thimble and hitting my finger where I didn't want it to go.

Blu tack???? What is that and where do you get it? My fingers aren't so big, but I am right between Med. and Sm, so I can't get one to fit at all. I have tried all suggestions I have read here from the leather which don't stay on, to taking a hammer and pounding them out of shape. Yup did that too. So I can't use a thimble although would like to because of the hole poking. Now I am doing the stab sew, when I hand quilt. Just works better that way. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Rita

I have never mastered a thimble. I have tried all kinds.

That's a good idea. Mine is so comfortable and well-fitting that I can put down my hand work and do other things and not even feel the thimble. If you find a thimble like that, it will get easier. I have also found that older thimbles, tha have been well used and wron smoother on the inside are more comfortable than new ones. These turn up a lot at antique shows etc.