I am new to hand quilting and learned from on line classes/utube. I tired many different types of thimbles and with each one I tried I had to use it for a few days to determine if it really was comfortable. I am using the ones that are metal top with gel bottoms like this http://www.joann.com/protect-grip-th...prd_02408714a/. I have used the leather type with the metal coin area like this http://www.joann.com/clover-leather-...imble/prd2826/. both worked good except the leather one stretches and in the matter of days keeps coming off so I gave up. Too much hassle to keep taping it on. the other type by clover with the metal tip and gel bottom when you put it on all around the base of the metal on the side it has a small divett and I have to make sure I position it just right so the needle will fit in it to do that rocking motion. I cant use the top of the thimble to rock I use the side not sure if that is the normal or not. But I also like the bottom section being rubber as it helps me grasp the needle and pull it through.

Diane

That's absolutely normal - it's just one of many ways of doing the rocking stitch. I use the side, too. It doesn't matter how you get there so long as you're happy with the results.

Janet

I cannot do hand work without a thimble. The problem I have had over the years is finding one that fits. Finally, last summer I found a 10 Cent plastic one that fits perfectly. Now I am a happy sewer!

I don't hand quilt much but I do some hand piecing and qpplique work and I'm still looking for a comfortable thimble. I sort of hand piece the Jinny Beyer way and the thimble (on my middle finger) hurts my ring finger. I tried the dots but never managed to get them in the correct spot and ended up stabbing myself every time. I try out every thimble I run across.

Suzy

I learned on my own to use a thimble after I poked so many holes in my fingers the stayed sore all the time.

delma

I love my leather thimble. It was very stiff at first, but I wet it, formed it more around my finger, and now it is very comfortable. I first put on a flexible cloth bandaid and the thimble stays put.

Thanks to everyone for their comments on this question. Like many, I don't understand how anyone can hand sew without a timble to protect their finger. Now I'm making judgment based on my ability. However, I face this every time I teach a hand quilting class. There have been several ideas that I will pass along. I learned to use a thimble many many years ago when I was in the Army and sewing patches on my shirts. I had a little portable sewing kit and it had a plastic thimble in it. I am sure my fingers would never have healed if not for that thimble.
I realize some can and some can't. It is second nature to me now. Like any tool or gadget some work and some don't. I have an assortment of the aids that students can try. And I'll keep trying to teach those who can't.

I majored in Home Economics in the 1950s. I think wearing a thimble for hand sewing was required for some class. Now I have trouble hand sewing without a thimble. I have thimbles all over my house so one is always handy. I think it took me some time before I was comfortable wearing a thimble.

LOL, pain seems to be the deciding factor. I know it was for me. I don't like the metal thimbles, I prefer the rubber and metal combo by Clover.

Another thimble challenged soul here!
Have tried to use them with no luck ... and not even sure which hand and finger they are supposed to go on.
There are times, that I know my fingers would appreciate not suffering from the abuse they do!

So I'm all ears, for any tips and hints, too! :)