thimbles
 

how do you purchase a thimble that fits? I have a lot of thimbles but when I try to use one it will not stay on my finger.
I find i am fighting with the thimble more than I am stitching

I bought a couple thimbles from Bohin at Quilt Festival this year. They're the best thing since sliced bread! This the one I have

https://boutique.bohin.com/en/produc...e-souple-moyen

I've been doing a lot of EPP lately and this is the only thimble I've found that doesn't come off my finger when I'm working. I was so impressed after using it. I bought another one when I went back the next day.

I think I own almost every thimble available on the market except for the one Cashsmom posted, which I'd like to try. I hate that most thimbles are round, because my fingers are not. I really like these leather thimbles that Clover makes, and I recently started using this stick-on thimble dot, it has double-sided sticky tape that holds the thimble dot on, very well I might add. I forgot I had it on, cooked dinner for my family and ate before I realized it was still there. 😆

My friend Cindi likes these stick-on thimble leather pads.

I have very squared off fingers, so I end up using one that is too large and it's constantly falling off. I've just learned to deal with it.

Question . . . I see people using thimbles on their middle finger but I always use my ring finger. I had to buy a “starter sewing kit” when I enrolled in Home Ec and evidently the thimble fit my ring finger. Am I the only one ?

I buy an inexpensive metal thimble and hit it with a hammer to make it oval. Stays on my finger until I take it off. I like the Clover silicone one but it will slip off after awhile from the warmth from the finger. Most do slip when your finger warms it up.

No, you're not alone. I use a thimble on my ring finger as well. I just never got the hang of sewing with one on my middle finger. I have a bunch of thimbles, all bought as part of used sewing lots on eBay. I find that different ones fit my finger depending on the temperature in my studio. On cold days I use a smaller one. Also, I prefer the metal ones because I can squish them to fit the shape of my finger-- they're not as attractive then, but they stay on.

Rob

I love TJ Lane Thimbles. They are sized. Since they are hand made with silver they are not cheap but worth every cent. Since my fingers tend to swell I have a few in different sizes. They display at quilt big quilt shows - so if you have an opportunity, please check them out. Their have a website also. Please don't let the prices turn you off - sometimes we need a special item like this. My first one was a big splurge, the next year I went back with the express desire for another one, so I could have one in a sewing basket that goes on trips and another to use at home. But now I have 4, and hope they will be at the Road to CA Show in January. They have other items available. I keep thinking I want a cage, but will see.

That is what my Mom did to make her thimbles stay on. I think she lined one with bandage (that old white woven stuff) to help make it stay on.

Those old thimbles are still my favorites.

Well... I never could use a traditional thimble. I tried the stick on dots, but felt like I had to aim for them. The leather ones are so bulky, they're just in the way. So I made my own Soft Suede Thimble. It's too small to stay on by itself, so I put a dab of washable glue stick on my finger to keep it on. It's the best thimble I've ever used. It's so small and light weight, I forget I have it on. It just feels natural. So I actually make them and sell them locally.

I made my own Soft Suede Thimble

I think I'll look for suede or soft leather gloves at thrift stores. Cut the finger tip part that fits and make a thimble. Thanks for the idea quiltedsunshine.

I've been using cheapie metal thimbles from Joann's for many years. It has an indent at the top. They may be Dritz but I'm not sure. You can try them on in the store before buying. I make sure my middle fingernail isn't too long. I also lick my finger before putting it on, and it usually stays. Whatever works!

It sounds like most are complaining about the fit of the thimble. Thimbles come in sizes. eBay has nice silver thimbles. I also use my ring finger. My finger uses either a 11 or 12 depending upon how fat my finger is on any day.

This is the one I use https://www.thimblelady.com/shop/quilting-thimbles/. Their sizing instructions are perfect.

I started out with the plastic one to confirm the size and see how comfortable it actually was. It was perfect! When I wore that out, I upgraded to the stainless steel version. I'm now on my second of those after wearing out the first (hole through a couple of the dimples). They are designed to use the pad of your finger to push vs the tip. It really is a much more comfortable way of sewing.

I've never gotten the hang of metal thimbles and I've tried many so I use leather. I find them on Etsy and they work great for me.

Thimbles sure are one of the most persnickety notions used in our craft! I, too, have never found the perfect fit and am currently using a leather one purchased on Etsy. It's certainly cute and works okay - better than any of the metal or pads I've tried - but I wouldn't say it's amazing. I will try the Bohin suggested above.

This is exactly what I do! I glue it on with Elmers!!

I have two thimbles that I use. My favorite was my Grandmas and is silver with her initials and a flower design engraved on it. She was also left handed like me. Of course that makes no difference for a thimble so I put a piece of tape inside and that helps me to keep it on. Apparently her fingers must have been a little bigger than mine. I also have a necklace that has a little cage that I put the thimble in. It always attracts attention when I wear it. It is so precious to me as it is all I have from my paternal Grandmother. I would send a pix but I can't seem to post pictures any more.

I found a pair of leather work gloves at the home store that fit and cut the tips off. Lots of leather thimbles.

BTW, I have found the jelly thimbles work pretty well, too. I buy one that's pretty snug and it actually stays on.

I'm a thimble klutz. It doesn't seem to matter which finger I put it on, it's in my way. Or it doesn't stay on. Mostly I keep it nearby for those hard-to-pierce stitches and the rest of the time I put wear and tear on my fingertips. Sometimes I fold the fabric over the end of the needle and push it against a hard surface. I think I really should learn to use a thimble properly.

I use this metal thimble that is adjustable to fit your finger. I use the M size and is comfortable for me.
Adjustable Thimble

Onebyone - I like your suggestion about buying a cheap thimble and pound it to make it oval.