Mine isn't a perfect oval because it definitely has a front and back to it. I can tell just by the way it feels when I put it on, no need to look. If it ever wears out, I will be in a pickle.

The blutack is a great idea! Way back when I lost a bunch of weight (unfortunately, found it all again plus some), my thimble got loose, so I used some special tooth wax to pad it out. It's a wax that dentists and ERs give out to cover a cracked or chipped tooth until you can get it fixed properly. It's very tacky and sticks well to metal.

I think your blutack idea is better, though.

When I applique I like to use the dark brown soft leather thimble (nimble thimble) because it is Soft and comfortable for that type of work. The sticky "dots" work well too, found mine at a LQS but they tend to sell out quick. I also have a beautiful silver thimble purchased at the Paducah Quilt Show a few years ago. Lost weight due to illness, didn't think I'd lose it in my fingers??? Anyway, a couple pieces of white adhesive tape on the inside of the thimble stopped it from slipping off.

My favorite thimble, without a doubt, is from the Thimblelady. It cost my $80 years ago, but is priceless as far as I'm concerning. No bending of the fingers and no pain after doing it for a while.

Japanese thimbles are the only ones suitable for me.

I like my leather one that goes all the way down my finger.I can still move it freely.
I tried the metal ones. More than a few. They just didn't fit my finger.
I even tried the dots. They felt funny on the tip of my finger. I kept taking it off every time I had to get up to do something.
The plastic ones were no better than the metal ones. They won't stay on.

I use a little mittle dimpled disk which you put on your finger using some small round double stick tape it just fits on the pad of my thumb to push the needle through the layers of the quilt ...i dont like a full thimble they never feel right for me and i dont use any for my bottom finger or the first and second fingers need to feel the needlebelow and coming back up through the quilt

I used to use leather thimbles . I was lucky to get a queen size quilt quilted from one. I didn't like to spend 15.00 so often.( not sure what the price is now) I would follow directions for shrinking to fit your finger .
I discovered Roxanne thimbles and love them they are expensive but worth the money.If you are a quilter you need a good/comfortable thimble. I always encourage my class to wear them a few days as much as possible and before you know it you won't notice you have it on.

Hi, I don't do aplique, but my friend does and she likes the the stick on ones that stick to the tips of your fingers. I believe you can find them at Michael's and have seen them at quilt shops also.

I have a thimble that was my grandmother's. It it's well, but the best thing is, is that it's worn so nice and smooth from use on the inside. So many newer thimbles I have are rough on the inside. Now I always keep my eye out for affordable antique thimbles, because they are usually similar to my grandmother's. That is my suggestion for finding a thimble.

I am looking for another thimble myself. I put a hole slap through the top of my favorite one. I have looked at the Roxanne and Thimble lady ones but OUCH!. I have a bunch of vintage ones, all either too big or too small and I keep looking for another like mine. Haven't come across another yet.
I hope something shows up soon . Its getting colder and its about time to start hand quilting again.