Wallgreen's for quilting supplies...Who knew???? Thimble...Yes or No
#21
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??
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??
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
Posts: 1,920
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.
#23
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!
#24
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.
If you have fingernails it works well.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]227093[/ATTACH]
#25
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.
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.
#26
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Davison, Mi
Posts: 67
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>
#27
Originally Posted by ibeesewin
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I've posted this tip many times and it works. Take an inexpensive metal thimble and using a hammer whack the rim until it's an oval shape. The thimble will fit the finger so much better. Your finger is not round, it's oval.
Sorry...couldn't resist. This sounds so logical though. Will have to give this a try.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 952
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.
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Absecon N.J.
Posts: 249
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.
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