I use the Nimble Thimble. It is a thin, black leather thimble that has an opening in the end for a fingernail. My problem with most thimbles is that they are not long enough, because I push with the side of my finger, not the top. The Nimble Thimble is longer. The only problem I have is that the small is too small and the medium is too large, so I started wearing a rubber finger cot with the Nimble Thimble over it and it fits just right. I have also used the Thimble Pads, but find they are too small. If they made them in an oval about the size of two of them, they might work a lot better for me.

I have tried so many different things....but just have never been able to get used to any of them. I have a callous on my middle finger - i don't quilt but do a lot of applique - but still usually i put a band aid on with the pad where the needle hits. It works, doesn't affect my stitches, and it's not that expensive if you use the store brand band aids.

I use the stick-on pads, I think they're called "thimble-it" for hand sewng, like bindings. I've tried many thimbles, just not fond of ay of them. I do have a thimble for hand quilting (which I don't do often). I took a class with the Thimble Lady and bought one of her thimbles.

this sounds crazy....I worked in a casket co and did a lot of hand quilting,
I would put a drop of hot glue on the metal tabletop, and rub my finger over
quickly and it would form a thin layer and stay oh for about a half hour,
and i'd quilt with that.

I am appreciative of this discussion. I have an arthritic bump on my finger that prevents me from wearing a thimble. I have tried most of your solutions. The best thing I have come up with is a piece of moleskin. Keep on making suggestions, because I'm listening.

I just went to quilterslittlehelper.com to see about Spider Works W'nder Thimble. It is no longer being produced.
If you have one you better hold on to it. I like used the Comfort Thimble.

I like the Clover Protect & Grip Thimble. The medium (pink) one. It is a rubbery silicone base with a metal tip on it. It stays on my finger really well. I have many other metal ones that were my mothers (she always used one when sewing), but they never fit right. I have a few of the Clover ones so that I can keep one in my travel kit as well as a couple around my sewing room. I'm always putting one down somewhere, then it take me a little while to find it again. I'm sure I'm the only one who ever does this. Ha Ha!!!

I use a band aid too.

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I could never use a metal thimble - then l my fingers got so sore from hand quilting
used bandaides for a while - didn't help much
finially found the nimbile thimble - but they do not last long & are expensive
finally found the leather ones with the knit backing
they work until I almost wear them out
then I put a small strip of cardboard inside until they are totally worn out.
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I have this one too, and it is great.