I tried them all too. The best luck was with a leather one, but it soon stretched out and I spent more time chasing a dropped thimble than sewing. So here is what I do now. When my finger starts to get sore, I take some blue painter's tape and wrap the end. I just tear a skinny strip off so there isn't too much bulk. The bonus is the cost is alot cheaper than all those thimbles sitting in the drawer now. Give it a try. :)

I also can't seem to be able to use a thimble. So I cut off the finger part of dishwashing rubber gloves and it worked. I did not know of the leather thimbles and perhaps I should try them (but I have about 20 rubberglove fingertips to use up) Oh well, saved some money for now anyways.

I can't either. I use 1/2" paper tape and just wrap it around my finger. It is tape in the medicine isle. It is cheap and can be used for my grandson who is alergic to latex and we keep this tape on hand for those little booboos!

When cross stitching I use a tiny piece of batting. Then I wrap it with two "rounds" of sports tape. The white type. When quilting, however, I do use a thimble. Hope you find something that will work for you. Making a permanent hole in your finger is NOT the way to have fun!!

This is the one that works for me!
http://www.threadandmore.com/scripts...idproduct=3380

i'm a lefty also, but i have learned to use the leather thimble
it slips sometimes but it works best for me

I to cannot use a thimble. My mother, who was in interior decorator, would keep after me to use a thimble, to no avail. I found a product called ThimblePad. They are little leather pads that stick to your finger. I've found this works really well for me.

I have trouble with rigid thimbles too, stubby shaped fingers, Arggg. The great thing about leather with metal tips is they shape themselves to your finger after wearing awhile. Hang it there, it is worth feeling awkward for awhile.

I feel so much better when I hear others say they can't use a thimble. My thimble I've had for years is still brand new and shiny because whatever finger I put it on, I use one of my bare fingers! Thank you for all the suggestions that I'm going to try one by one because I'm tired of having sore fingers.

I had a hard time learning to use one. My Mother rest her soul said for me to put the thimble on wear it all day and get used to doing things with it and even wear it when sewing and one day you will begin to use it and not remember when or how it came about. I did that and am using one all the time. I use mine on my middle finger. Also if you are sewing the binding maybe a longer needle will do for you. I do use a thimble when I sew the binding on. Try a longer needle. Quilter000