Learning to Use Thimble
 

How did you learn to use a thimble? How were you taught to use it?
Any tricks for someone who can't use a thimble but is learning.
It comes natural to me but many can't seem to grasp the technique.

I don't feelx comfortable using a thimble. If I put it on one finger I automatically use the free one. Guess no one taught me how to use it. Consequently I rarely use one.

Not everyone needs a thimble. No one taught me to use one; I just didn't like jabbing my finger, when I did hand sewing . . . so got myself one and stuck it onto my finger. I do prefer the leather ones, over the metal ones.

I had to figure it out for myself. It helped having a pretty thimble that I wanted to use. I ended up putting it on my ring finger for hand sewing, and once I got used to it, I can't sew without it. I've tried it on my middle finger but can't quite figure out how to hold the needle.

For hand quilting, I quickly learned to use it on my middle finger - it hurt to push the needle unless I had the thimble on.

Janet

I always have 2 on my right hand when I hand-quilt...a rubber thimble on my middle finger for going across or down and a strong plastic thumb thimble for going up

I have real trouble using a thimble, I don't seem to be able to sew in the usual way if I use a thimble. Also I have really small fingers and just can't seem to find a thimble that fits. Even extra small is too large, I did find one that is adjustable but I still could not get it small enough! So I am not sure if the main problem is not having a properly fitting thimble (tried a leather one way too big) Have thought about those stick on dots things has anybody tried those. Any help in using a thimble would be appreciated.

I've tried all different kinds of thimbles and still have trouble and end up not using any. The only one I had any luck with was the rubber kind. I have callous on my fingers so that helps. Don't know of any tutorials on thimble uses but have had different teachers try to show me with no such luck. Good luck to you

I've tried a few different thimbles, and like some, when it's on my finger I can't seem to get that finger to work so I use a different finger.

I CAN tell you though that I was successful at finding a thimble that fits really well. I have very small hands. I purchased a size X-small leather thimble and it was too small so I soaked it in water and then wore it until it dried. Once dried, it was the size and shape of my finger.

I just wish I could actually use the darned thing.

I have the best luck with a leather thimble. Never liked using one until I took up english smocking. For quilting, I go back to using adhesive tape on my fingers.

Sometimes if one flattens a round thimble a little bit - it stays on one's finger better.

When I was very young I had two Aunts who sewed[one professionaly] and they made me learn. Now I cannot sew without one. I have several, but like leather best. I have also used the dots, but use 2 or 3 on top of each other.ha. Don't want the needle to go through. When I handquilt I use a very small one and they go through anything.

Wow, never thought of doing this. I like my leather thimble [when I use one] but it never fits. Thanks for the great tip!

When I was 12 my grandmother who was a tailor told me I had to use one to learn to sew. Now I can't hand sew without one.

I found a leather thimble that I like, but I still had trouble keeping it on. Probably not a usual way, but I coated the inside with rubber cement. It stays on really well now, and I'm getting used to wearing it. I read once where someone wore it all day, and finally got used to it. Just a couple of thoughts.

Ditto! My mom always encouraged us to use a thimble, but I just never could. I did read somewhere that you should put your thimble on and leave it on, so you get use to it. They even suggested sleeping in it. I haven't tried that but it does make sense.

The only finger I am comfortable using a thimble on is my middle finger. I don't hand quilt so I just use this for pushing the needle.

I had never gotten used to a thimble even though I did lots of hand sewing as a young girl. When I wanted to learn to hand quilt I knew I would have to use a thimble. I progressed to what I use now. I started with a "Nimble Thimble", a small black leather one with a metal disk in the tip and a slit for a finger nail. I would wear it around the house just to get used to it. I quilted with it until I poked the needle through it one to many times, then I started looking at other thimbles. I then tried the plastic flesh colored adjustable open thimble, that worked great for quite awhile, I then bought a "Roxanne Thimble" I liked it a lot in one way but not for another reason. It is made so that you use the pad of your finger tip not the very tip, I really liked quilting that way. What I don't like about it is the shape of the cut out for your finger nail. It is very narrow. I guess my nails are kind of wide and if I let them grow at all (even a miniscule amount) the nail hits the edge of the thimble and it hurts. After learning to push the needle with the pad of my finger it was hard to find another thimble that worked like that, but I did. It is made by clover, it is a bronze color and it is adjustable. It looks alot like Roxannes. I love it. Even though I got used to using a thimble for quilting, I still couldn't use one for other hand sewing, (weird I know). I now use the little leather stick on "dots" when hand sewing.

I have tried and tried, and just cannot get the hang of thimbles. I use the little faux leather adhesive dots on the ends of my fingers. They work wonderfully and really save the tips of my fingers from stabs and callouses, but they are getting harder and harder to find.

Another self-taught thimble user here. And like many others, had plenty of trial and error finding one that I could actually use. I finally found the Thimblelady thimbles. Somewhat similar to Roxanne's in that they are open-ended but more cone shaped with a larger open top. And like Roxanne's, you push with the pad of your finger - not the top. I started with their plastic one to confirm size and style and have since bought 2 of the stainless steel ones. They are about $35 I think. The plastic about $10. Their sizing instructions I find to be very accurate. I hand quilt with the thimble on my middle finger and a rubber finger tip (the kind used to count money/paper from the office supply store) on my index finger to help with needle pulling. If I'm not mistaken there are videos on her website for use of the thimble (along with her very long needles) which are helpful. I originally saw the demo on the Alex Anderson show. I have also used her needles but find them a bit bendy. That might be because I use W&N batting. I now use Roxanne #11 betweens for quilting. Very sturdy and keeping the sandwich loose can get some nice small stitches. Good luck with your quest.

I can't imagine hand quilting without a thimble! Ouch!

I used to use a leather thimble until I pushed the eye end of the needle through my finger.

Believe it or not, my current favorite is a decorative ceramic thimble that happens to have a deep dimple. I also have an antique brass one that fits pretty well.
I guess the key to successful thimble use is finding one that fits without interfering with movement.

retired quilter
 

I tried many thimbles
without success. Finally, the leather one works for me. I also use the underthimble when hand quilting. For me it took practice, practice, practice.

I use ThimblePads, the little (3/8") self-adhesive leather dots that stick right on your fingertip. I do a lot of hand stitching, often through several layers of fused fabrics, and these pads have never slipped, never been penetrated and never failed me. They also work perfectly as a grip to pull the needle through any tough spots.

On the rare occasion that I hand quilt on the frame, I also wear one on my 'under' hand. They let me feel the pressure of the needle without actually sticking my finger. They can be reused four or five times before they stop sticking tight. I love them!

Glad to see that I am not the only one who can't use a thimble!!

HAHAHA and I thought I was the only thimble dummy. When was young (in grade/high school) I embroidered so I got used to not using a thimble. Now I can't seem to get the hand of it LOL

I was just trying to figure the correct way to use a thimble last night. I was stitching my binding and it is my index finger that was hurting. Tried a metal thimble on that finger??? Then tried in on the middle finger, a little better but that still does not solve the problem of my hurting index finger??? I could use some advice also.

I was told a loooong time ago, to wear the thimble for a day, just doing your regular things and your brain will accept it as a part of your finger and there won't be that auto not using that finger when sewing......It worked for me, and if I have not used a thimble for awhile, I will "wear" it for a few hours before doing my thimble sewing......just to remind my mind...

I have a hard time using a thimble. When I hand quilt I will push the needle with my fingernail. I finally semi-trained myself to use the open ended thimbles (TJ Lane) but I am very unorthodox. I start my quilting stitch then I slip the thimble on my index finger and load up the needle that way. Constantly slipping it on and off my finger is very time consuming so I will use my nail until I drill hole through it and I am forced to use the thimble.

I would like to learn how to use one in the traditional way for when I hand sew bindings and do hand applique. I have poked myself several times doing that.

[QUOTE=Holice;5221923]How did you learn to use a thimble? How were you taught to use it?
Any tricks for someone who can't use a thimble but is learning.


My mother bought me a thimble that fit and said, "Use this!" I can't imagine hand sewing without a thimble. I was doing embroidery while I waited at poolside for my great grandchildren one day and at least a dozen children came up and wanted to know what I was doing and what that metal thing on my finger was for. They told me their mothers didn't even know how to sew a button on.

A sewing group to which I belong does a workshop at the end of each summer for kids and their mothers who want to learn to sew. We do really simple projects so they have several things they make to take home. We give a basic sewing machine to one of the participants. You can't believe how many kids have never seen, much less used a sewing machine and how many have never ironed anything. Most of these kids are from upper or middle income families, so it isn't a matter of not having the money for equipment.

No wonder so many people look like they are wearing something out of a rag bag! froggyintexas

I have used a thimble for many years, but like others had a hard time finding one to fit. I have scar tissue on my middle finger which alters the shape and shape of the finger. What works for me to make a metal thimble fit my finger and be comfortable is tape. I use the bandage tape that is quite soft, not adhesive tape, and stick it to the inside of the thimble. It pads the edge so it won't make my finger sore and adjusts the fit around the top edge to keep it from falling off. Some times I forget I am wearing it and have even started to clean house with it on until I hear the click when I pick up a broom.

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! :)