Because I'm not thinking straight...didn't comment on this in the above post.

I do not use an underneath finger protector of any sort. I just deal with the callus and the residual peeling when I'm done with the current project. Not pretty, but it's what I do. I have not tried the Aunt Becky and/or spoon process. Maybe on the next quilt. The one I'm working on now is only a baby quilt so that's not so bad. But it would be really nice to not go out in public with horrible fingertips!

I found myself using the non-thimble finger, too, so I put a thimble on every finger. Yeah, THAT really worked. Not.:hunf:

Now I quilt without a thimble on either hand and use my index finger nail to push the needle. No, I have never gotten a hole in the nail. No, I have never run the needle up under the nail bed. Yes, I build a small callus on the underneath finger. I rarely quilt more than an hour or two at a time due to nerve damage in my hands, maybe that's why I can manage this.

Jan in VA

try the red dot or the sticky leather dot they work great for those of us that do not want to wear a thimble i use the dot on my middle finger and use my thumb nail when quilting away from me. Yes I have run the needle through my nail.

I do the same thing! That's why I switched to the Thimblelady's thimble...love it...her needles and technique are great too.

To get used to thimble: wear it on finger all day while doing other things...your brain will except it as your fingertip and will not "fight" it when you quilt with it......that's the theory......

I do use a thimble but I'm always looking for a better one. Right now I'm using the leather thimble with the metal coin in it. I'm like Jan, don't stitch for too long at a time.... usually 3-4 hours. That's enough. My back can't handle longer either.

I also can't HQ with a thimble, I've tried and tried. My best thimble is those little sticky round leather dots. As far as underneath, well I've not tried the spoon, but my fingernails get a beating.

I purchased a needle puller, can't remember where I got it, but I use it a lot.

I can't get used to a thimble. They are usually too big. The small ones are sometimes snug, and my fingers start to sweat. I found that I eventually make a hole in my pushing finger, and hit it every stitch. Such precision!! then I have to wear a thimble, but don't like it. I have been sewing for many years, and tried the thimble over and over. Wish I could get used to it.
Sue

I LOVE Thimble-it self sticking vinyl finger pads. They just stick onto your fingertip and protect it from pokes. I re-use the same one a few times...just stick it back on the package after use until it wears out. http://www.joann.com/self-adhesive-t...g/4049409.html