SherriB

I am wanting to get started on hand quilting. I have been doing some hand piecing and really, really need to get a thimble. Right now, I am using band-aid for a thimble. LOL!! I have tried the metal thimbles but they fit to tight on my fingers.

What is a good style or brand for a beginning quilter?

Emma S

Thimbles are kind of a get used to thing. Took me a long time to get used to using a thimble, now can't sew without them. Think the tipping point was when my hands became to tender to sew without them. I started out with the semi-soft ones from JoAnns but went back to my mothers favorite the metal with a ridge along the tip. I have swelling in my hands so I have several sizes. Trust me, if you use it for a very short period, you'll never go back.

EasyPeezy

My favorite thimble is from Clover. It's made of silicone with a metal tip.
Very comfortable and doesn't slip off.

OCquilter

have tried so many thimbles I have lost track. The only one I really like is the plastic adjustable one (here is a pic http://www.amazon.com/Collins-C87-Pl.../dp/B000YQIXWC ) You can get them at WM or Joannes. I even got a few at a Tuesday morning a while back. I use it on my middle finger. My next favorite is the leather one. I got a large for my thumb for quilting bottom to top.The plastic one is a cheap try and you don't have to worry about fingernails.

vondae

I use the same one EasyPeezy does. Fits & stays on. I bought & tried many others til' I finally found this one. Not very expensive either. With a coupons at Joann's it's only a couple of $'s.

Holice

I use the metal inexpensive ones from Dritz. Has a depression in the top for easy gide of the needle. I believe that after one becomes comfortable with this one then can go to more expensive ones. It comes in only about 4-5 sizes. Then for those who need more choices in sizes check the LQS. Many have a tray of many many sizes and can get a good fit.

117becca

I keep coming back to the leather coin thimble. The metal piece in the middle/pad of my finger prevents the needle from going thru like a leather thimble. I pick them up at JoAnn's w/ a 50% off coupon.

AshleyR

I had to try a lot of different ones. My fingers are very large, so my favorite is a pewter one I found at an antique store. It's huge! I had to stuff moleskin in it so it will stay on. I thought I'd like an adjustable one with the jelly-padding on the inside (Singer brand), but I can't get the needle to "stay" anywhere on it, but it's really good to wear on my hand on the bottom of the quilt to push the loaded needle back to the top.
The cheap one at Walmart is fine too. Sometimes it takes a bit to get used to one. Now I can use just about anything that fits on that finger!

NJ Quilter

I, like many others here, tried just about every thimble readily available. Eventually I purchased a plastic Thimblelady thimble so I could see if I liked the style. I'm now on my second stainless steel one. They are cone-shaped with an open top. You push with the pad of your finger - not the top. It takes a bit of getting used to for some but I took to it right away. Much more comfortable for me to use. And the dimples are quite deep so hold the needle very steady. The plastic and stainless steel versions are (I think) very reasonably priced - about $10 for plastic and $35 for the stainless. Must be purchased online but very good service.

mpspeedy2

My favorites are the tan leather ones made from deerskin. I probably own a dozen or so and they are scattered about my home. I am a handquilter and couldn't work without them. I also long ago trained myself to quilt with both hands if I am using a frame. When I do that I wear a thimble on my left thumb.