I didn't know you could quilt *without* a thimble, lol! Sounds painful...

I always used to use a metal thimble. I dampen my finger and it stays on fine. However, I hadn't quilted anything for literally years until last week and, when I used the metal thimble, it was too small! I don't know what happened... I can't imagine my finger grew, lol! Anyway, it was rubbing on my joint because it was too tight so I decided to try a leather one. It took a little getting used to but it seems to be working for me now. The problem now though is that pieces of elastic are coming out of the stretchy part that holds it on my finger, also the leather on the end seems to be wearing through very quickly- at this rate, I doubt it will hold up long enough for me to quilt this whole quilt!

Unrelated maybe- what is a finger cot??

The only thimble I can use is a leather one...I especially like the heavier goatskin ones...the lighter weight ones wear through too fast. I have tried many times to use a metal thimble, but I just have never been able to get used to one.

Yes, I think you either like a thimble or you don't. I can't hand sew anything without one. I have one that was my grandmother's and it's so nice and smooth on the inside and fits pefectly, I almost forget I have it on. If I had to use some of the ridged ones that are sold inexpensively, it probably would bother me too. Look for ones at estate sales or antique store that are worn and smooth - it might make a differnce!

I use one to quilt and hand sew. Can't hardly quilt without it. I have big fingers so some thimbles don't fit. This one adjusts to fit. see attached pic.

I was taught to use forefinger and thumb to hold the fabric and use middlke finger to wear thimble and push needle. Maybe sounds weird, but has worked for me for 60+ years.

I have enjoyed trying different thimbles, but the older cheap metal ones are the ones I like best.

I agree about "ovaling" the metal thimbles.

When I first started hand quilting I had a terrible time keeping the thimble on my finger. In fact, even when I had my thimble on I would use a different finger. I was determined to master the use of the thimble, so I taped it to my finger. This made it part of my finger instead of something on my finger. So much easier to use>

LOL

Keep trying to use it. I, too, went for year without being able to use one....it would fall off or even if I did keep it on, I would use another finger besides the thimble finger. DUH!! Now, I can't sew without one. I feel naked without it. :) But, you have to find the right size or one that will stay on. Sometimes that's hard to find....or it was for me.

I have the small leather thimble with the metal tip,in time it becomes losse, years ago I read somewhere to wet it in cold water... Let it dry.. Then your finger will fit in it nice and snug..it worked! Still have a hard time getting use to using one though.

A thimble really makes me dumb.