i get the pricked fingers when i quilt with a small needle, rocking it etc. Another option is the "thimblelady". She teaches use of a long needle, loose quilt in frame and manipulating the quilt to make the small stiches. it does work. i bought her book with the DVD and needles and thimbles. She sends the thimbles that slip on the upper hand finger so you are pushing the needle through with the side of the thimble.

Amending my earlier post.....found the black leather thimble didn't work out after all (for me). On two accounts....it tended to come off whenever I had to bring my left hand to the top and then after a few days of pricking it little black bits would end up caught in stitches on the back side. So it's now relegated to a travel kit.

Now I'm trying the white leather thimble that has elastic on one side and find it stays on MUCH better. And if little bits of it get caught on the back they won't show, at least as long as the backing is a light color.

That is one thing I never had trouble with. I did learn to quilt from my mother when I was a child. I slope the needle in and feel it with my finger and guide it, I wear a leather thimble on my top hand.

All are very good suggestions. When my finger gets sore before the caluse develops again, I use a small piece of athletic tape. It is the white kind and sticks pretty well and inexpensive. I just cut a small square to fit on the tip of my finger.

Find out what works for you.

what she said - exactly.

ETA - when you do get a callous built up, when you do the dishes it will get soft and you may be tempted to scrape it off . DON'T DO IT!! your skin underneath will be extra tender the next time you quilt.