If you are not using this finger for pushing the needle it will not poke through until the finger wears thin. I usually get use just one finger when quilting a small project. Remember I use this on mine finger that I am feeling for the needle on the underside just as a guide, not to push the needle through.

I have some special pink tape that I use in place of a thimble.. it lasts well and just toss it when I'm through.. Occasionally I do punch through it. I have also used the smallest Nexcare bandaids and they are awesome also... I hate thimbles.. to answer the other question.. you can use porcelain thimbles, but as a rule the dimples in them are pretty shallow and the needle will frequently slip out of them.

I have a black leather thimble that has a metal strip imbedded in between two leather pieces just at the top portion of the finger. I can't remember the name of the brand but the leather is very comfortable on my finger and the metal provides just the right amount of protection.

This is so me too:)! I have tried and tried different thimbles, etc on my left hand, but, if I can't feel the needle, I am not sure it is going thru right;)So, w/a sore finger I go!:)I do know some use the 'aunt becky' and the old timers here use a back of a spoon! Prob the same affect as becky:)What I do find interesting, (and first let me say to anyone what works for you, do it!....)is you have a thimble on your right hand index finger...how do you pull or handle the needle? I wear mine on my middle finger to push the needle thru...took awhile for me to get use to wearing one, but, now that I do....I have even run to town on errands and realized half way thru...I was still wearing it!:)Skeat

I bit the bullet and purchased this lady's method

http://www.thimblelady.com.au/catego...ting-Packages/

after suffering with pretty severe pain in my right wrist and LH fingers. I cannot say enough good things about it. Not only is my quilting better and prettier, more even, but I have no pain anymore.

The system is awesome. My daughter had never quilted before, and I taught her the method, and this is her first result

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/24111.page

I think her stitches look very professional, even if she is my daughter!

This Christmas, I bought the sterling silver thimble for both her and myself!

I usually put instant glue on my finger tip that will be receiving the needle (left hand) A couple of coats will allow me to feel the needle and still afford quite a lot of protection.

I am a left handed hand quilter so I use my dimpled ridged thimble on my left hand. I don't use anything on my under hand because I NEED to feel where the needle is and that it has actually gone through all three layers.

BTW, Hello, and welcome from Missouri!