This is just a table runner & I have only done 1 side. I can't believe how sore my thumb especially is from pushing the needle in & through the cotton.
What can I buy or use so that I can continue to do some hand sewing? I bought a thimble but I can't seem to keep it over the sore spot.

I will be watching this, as I also have a sore thumb from sewing binding. I bought a thimble, but I don't seem to be able to make it work for me.

are you pushing the needle with your thumb? If so it may be hard to find a thimble that fits your thumb. maybe you could tape a small coin over the sore spot to protect your poor thumb.

What about these?

http://www.pelennapatchworks.co.uk/t...les-3786-p.asp

i haven't had that problem and i'm new to quilting...try looking at a you tube video...try searching for serena smith on line and how to blind stitch binding to the back of your quilt..it was very helpful to me...

I am holding the needle between my thumb & index finger & that is where the soreness is. I am only using these 2 fingers for the sewing. Also does the size or kind of needle matter?
I did check out Serena Smith on youtube & bookmarked it to watch again. Thanks for trying to help me!
Sue

I stopped sewing binding on by hand after my third quilt or so. I now make a 2 1/2 inch binding and sew it onto the front side, then fold it back and from the top stitch just in the ditch were the binding was attached to the front. No more sore fingers and a lot of extra time. Anna

I do the same...I do not enjoy hand sewing. Machine sewing the binding is quicker, secure and it looks good.

I also just ordered the finger pads. Thanks for that suggestion!
Sue

I am working on my "Over the River and Through the Woods" quilt, so I am doing a lot of hand embroidering and my middle finger was getting really sore from pushing the needle through. I collect thimbles, but have never been able to use them. When I have a thimble on my finger, I use another finger to push the needle through. Crazy, uhh! I think I found a reasonable alternative. I purchased some corn pad (for your feet) and cut off pieces to put on my finger where it hurts. I can get several small pads out of one corn pad. I used them all weekend and loved them. It made a big difference and they are very inexpensive. I paid $1.50 for 9 pads which I can cut up to make at least 36 small pads. Not a bad deal!