I use my acrylic nails...

I have tried to quilt with my thumb so I could quilt on my frame but I can't control the stitches. I also bought a Roxanne thimble ($39.00 on sale) and I don't like it on any finger I will keep trying to use it till I get used to it but I constantly go back to the cheaper thimbles.

The only one I've found that I really, really, really like is the Roxanne. Some like TJ Lane thimbles too but they're a little more expensive than Roxanne. TJ Lane also has open thimbles like the Roxanne pictured. There's a tailor's thimble that's open on the end. My Grandma used the thimbles she bought at the fabric store and had a size for every finger but I just can't use those. I'm sure other quilters who have been doing this longer than I have can also add to this disucssion so please join in!!! :-D

I quilt using a 14" lap hoop and use a thumb thimble like you described to quilt away from me. So on my right hand I have a thimble for my middle finger and the thumb thimble so I can quilt in any direction. I don't use anything on my left hand...

I don't use anything on my left hand either. I want to feel when that needle comes through the layers.

That's a good idea! :thumbup:

Maybe next I'll try a TJ Lane. Do you get the one that's shaped like the Roxanne?

I have always found it difficult to use a metal thimble because I have always had long nails. The purchased leather ones always seemed too thin for my taste. So, I custom make my own out of scrap dearskin leather. Any leather will do though. When the thimble gets thin from use I make another. They last me a long time. And it is another use for scraps even though they are leather.

When I bought a leather thimble I liked it until I didn't realize it was getting thin and REALLY drove the eye of the needle into my finger! That's when I said no more of that. If you make your own you can control the quality of leather. Good idea. :thumbup:

I love my Roxanne thimble!! I have large fingers and wear it on my middle finger which means it fits my thumb very well. I find it easy to thumb quilt when I'm at the big frame or the quilt stand by my comfy chair. The Roxanne has some weight to it. It is by no means flimsy and actually feels like I'm wearing jewelry! I got mine on sale in Shipshewana, Indiana for $22. I could not pass that up and glad I didn't.

Heck no you couldn't pass up $22!! Really happy to hear you got it at such a wonderful price.

Actually I bought 2 of them. The supply was very limited, of course. So the second one is a tiny one that hardly fits my pinky. So I wear it on chain as a necklace. The second one is gold plated. The one I use is the Sterling one. I do love them both. :-D

I used a thimble until my cat decided to claim it, haven't seen it since, lol.

I have had the same thimble for a very long time. I have several others that I cannot use. I am a hand quilter so a thimble is a must for me. I would love to get another one but have no idea what size to get. I keep thinking I'll see some at a quilt show like the Roxanne and haven't. I like in fear I will lose mine.I use the thimble on my third finger and actually wore one out. I went right through it to my finger, not fun. It was bent a bit and I used it in the same spot I guess. I do not like the silver ones that have the long grooves on the side. I feel like I'm slipping with those.

You can go to a jeweler and use their sizer to find what you'll need. You can also measure the finger yourself. Here's a link for a printable sizer. http://www.atlantisring.com/free_ring_sizer.aspx
If that doesn't work for you try this link. http://www.freeamericanbiker.com/ring-size-finder.pdf
You measure 1/2 way between the cuticle of your nail and the first knuckle on the finger of your choice. Roxanne said to add 1 size when ordering the thimble. Mine is just a little big but I think it will be fine for the summer months but I'll need to order another one a size smaller for winter. Hope this helps. :-)

I know exactly what you mean. :lol:

I bought a cheap pair of heavy leather work gloves and cut the fingers out and make thimbles. Works for me - I have large hands and I like longer thimbles.

Fons and Porter web site has thumb thimbles they come four in a package and I use them all the time on my left thumb. I wonder if quilting with the left hand is why we have a need for these. I was constantly poking myself with the needle until I found these.

You could try to get a thimble cage to keep your thimble safe around your neck. When my husband had a silver thimble made for me, that's where I keep it on a silver chain.

A thimble cage?? I like this idea... where do you get these?

Melody

I am thimble challenged. I can't sew with ANY type thimble on unless it's the little sitcky plastic thing and I still fee somewhat uncomfortable with it on.

When I quilt going up I use my thumb, which I just buy one
of the jelly thimbles and use that on my thumb.

OMG!! Been really paying attention lately and I've found when I quilt toward me I use the index finger to push the needle through, away from me I use the thumb and side to side I use the middle finger. Now to figure out how to be able to handle the needle with 3 thimbles. LOL!!!

I have a terrible time trying to find a thimble to fit my middle finger and I am wondering what the "Roxanne" thimble is and how expensive it is? I am not familiar with that brand. Thank you for being here friends!!!!!!!!!

Sandy14

The Roxanne Thimbles are an open top thimble, they are heavier than most thimbles, but you soon get used to them. The run in the neighborhood of I believe $50.00 and up. Cheaper than the TJ Lane sterling silver thimbles. I love mine. I got my Roxanne first, then I bought 4 of the TJ Lane thimbles, I love all of them. I know I have a small fortune tied up in thimbles, but they are comfortable to wear, and when I usually quilt some everyday, to me, they are all well worth their money.

Thank you so much. Is there a site where you can buy them or should you try one on before buying it?

Thank again
Sandy14

The Colonial Needle has the Roxanne thimbles on their site with instructions of how to get correct size. The 1st one I ordered, was 1/2 size too big, I sent it back and they replaced it with a smaller needle, It was from another site though, and that site is no longer available. And TJ Lane thimbles, just type in TJ Lane Thimbles and you can find their site that way. The TJ Lane thimbles are guaranteed. I have had 2 of her thimbles fixed, got holes in them as they are sterling. I really love my TJ Lane thimbles the best, pricey, but to me they are the best. When quilting on with a fabric that is denser, I use the Roxanne, as it is a heavier thimble, and I don't think you could poke a hole in it.

I bought a Roxanne thimble about a month ago and I love it!!!! I'd never been able to use a thimble before. I think I paid about $50 for mine but I had to order it online since we don't have a quilt/fabric shop close so also had to pay shipping.

Okay, now I have 3 Roxannes! :mrgreen: I just bought another one for those days when my fingers are a bit swollen, which they do in the summer months. One is silver and the other gold plated, and then I have the tiny gold one I wear for a necklace.

I had not heard of TJ Lane thimbles till I saw it here, so of course I had to look them up...... hmmm those are bee-u-tiful !!

thimbles are my weakness. :lol:
Melody

Mine too. I have 4 TJ Lane and 1 Roxanne

I use the colonial Ultrathimble (small pad that sticks to your finger) and just switch it from middle finger to thumb and back.