I just cannot come to terms with using a thimble. I only have one end of my binding sewn and am already well on my way to a sore finger! Anyone else have this problem and what do you use to keep the needle eye from poking at you?

I have the same problem with a regular, rigid thimble, but I switched to a leather thimble and it works great.

I LOVE the leather thimbles!! They are the only ones that work for me. I love the metal ones but can't use them. I have a small collection of old ones. They're pretty!!

it takes a while to get used to. Try wearing one even when you are not quilting to get used to having it on your finger.

I have the same problem and I have tried all sorts of thimble. I know it sounds stupid but I now put a plaster on with the padded piece where the needle stabs into the finger. Hope this oddball way helps you

I don't use thimbles either. Instead, I just slip on my Fons & Porter sewing gloves. The gloves have the "little gripper dots" on the underneath and it is great for gripping the needle. Works great for me!

I cant use any kind of thimbles either. After awhile, you will get use to it.

i got these rubber plastic thimbles from a lqs. they work good. I still have trouble with them. I don't like having things on my feet or fingers when I do anything. I don't think I would make a good lady because I would never be able to keep my gloves on. hehe. I would try those leather thimbles or the rubber plastic ones. they seem to fit better. there are also dot things that you can put on your finger with a bit of sticky stuff that some like. I have yet to try them. they rubber plastic thimble was cheaper.

I don't like thimbles either. Someone mentioned about using the rubber fingers that you get at Staples. I thought that would be better than the riged thimble if I would ever get back into hand sewing again.

I'm thimble challenged as well. I tried some of those leather "dots" you put on your fingertip, but it's the same. Like putting shoes on a cat or something. It just feels so awkward.

I can't sew without one

Me too. I use Clover brand.

I can't use a thimble due to long fingernails.

I can't use a regular thimble, but get on well with an open topped one (tailor's thimble). Using one of these, you push the needle with the side of your finger, rather than the end of it, and it's much more comfortable for me. I have big fingers, and sometimes the thimbles don't stay on all that well, so I put a small quantity of Blu tack inside, which is slightly tacky and that keeps the thimble in place.

I'm a lefty so I use a leather thimble on my left middle finger and a finger cot on my left thumb.

I use the ones with the little lip on them, and a hole for the long fingernails to fit into.

Mom used the hard metal kind but I have a "bump" on my finger and can't use that kind. I found some self-adhesive leather dots that can be used over and over and I love them. I've also used the clear plastic dots and they work well too.

I found rubber thimble thingies at Hobby Lobby... I think they are mainly used for handling fabrics....I love them...they are differently sized for each finger
They are red and come in five (5) per package...can ya tell I'm a newbie..tee hee

I recently saw thimble that might help you with your bump. They have a soft, silicone sort of part that fits over your finger, with just a metal top to them. I think Clotilde do them. (Protect & grip: http://www.clotilde.com/list.html?cat_id=143 )

I have a thimble from Clover that I love. It is leather with a small metal disc. I think it is called a coin thimble. I can't hand quilt without it!

You're not alone! I've never been able to use a thimble. By the time I'm done with the binding and/or hand quilting my fingers are a mess.

I think I'll take someone else's advice on here and try a leather one before I give up on it completely.

I have all kinds of thimbles, metal, leather, you name it. I'm thimble poor! I don't like any of them. I went to Staples and bought those rubber finger tips for flipping paper pages. I cut the tips off to the size I wanted and use them. I even cut a small one for my thumb (which always splits open and is very, very sore). They stay on good and help a lot. The other part the tips are cut from, I have put them on another finger that I don't use the tip to catch the needle.

Anything short of a rigid plastic or a metal thimble, and the needle punctures through and stabs my finger. Even the leather and the rubber ones.
I use 12 Sharps.

I do exactly the same thing... the amount of plasters I went through when I last did my applique was rediculous.

Funny thing is, I've got 96 thimbles!

:lol:

Thank you. I will have to look for them.

I do not use a regular thimble. I use a small 3/8 " heavy duty felt pads. You know the ones to protect your funiture. I put it on the spot that I wear a hole in my figure from pushing the needle through. You can only use them once. And if you are doing a ton of hand sewing they do wear out. They are cheap and you can get them at your favorite box store. (Walmart) :-D K.

ditto

I tried all sorts of thimbles and prefer to use finger cots. They work great for me and are not cumbersome

I love my leather thimble and you are right, it does work great.

I have found these at quilt shows but I am sure they carry them in LQS

It isn't that I can't get used to one, it's that I can't find one that will stay on!!! I bought a leather one and it stays on better. I saw somewhere that there was one that's adjustable. I just may have to buy one!

Get one of your inexpensive metal thimbles and a hammer. Tap the thimble on the side until it forms an slight oval shape. Fit and tap until it fits just right. The thimble will fit comfortable and stay on.

I have never come to terms with a thimble. I use a small (garage grunge free) needle nose pliers. They can be used to either push or pull the needle. I know I've corrupted the last quilting bee I went to because everyone kepts stealing my pliers all day long.

I never could use a thimble...even the little adhesive leather or rubber pads feel weird. I do have some Clover brand leather thimbles that slip on like a ring...I love those!!!

I am happy to learn that I am not the only one who can't use a thimble and I have tried many times.

I have used a leather thimble, I like it better than the metal thimbles. But it still seems too bulky for me. So now I just wrap the end of my finger in a few layers of masking tape....works for me! :)

Finally realized that thimbles are very uncomfortable for me because I have short fingers and some arthritis so the rim of the thimble was pressing against my knuckle joint and making it raw. First I tried putting a piece of cotton ball in the tip of the thimble and then bought myself one of the new thimbles made of neon colored rubber with a metal tip. Yippee! Great for tying my quilt! Not cheap, but so worth it!

And a bunch of other fabric stores sell them, too. About $10.00 but really worth it!

I cannot wear a thimble either. I use a small piece of plastic cut from a card box and tape it to my finger using surgical tape. Works for me. I end up retaping about every 1/2 hour, but that's OK. Usually need to take a break that often anyway.

And I thought I was the only one who couldn't use a thimble. I've tried several different kinds, metal, leather, the finger cots, -- what finally worked for me was plain old masking tape wrapped several times around the finger.