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I have used the leather thimbles, a rubber thimble with dimples and leather with the coin. The needle seems to get stuck in the leather or rubber when I push hard and that wears on the thread. That's one reason why I prefer the metal over the others.

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Originally Posted by gaigai

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

Gaigai, for shame! You are sounding too much like the QP here! ;)

No QP here, I just figured since I initially made that mistake and had to be corrected (by the person who taught me how to hand quilt) that I might not be the only person. But one question: If you wear a thimble on your index finger, how do you grab the needle to pull it through? 'Cause I can't see how to do it. Just asking.

I don't wear it when I pull it through, nor when I start my new new needle full of stitches, I slip it off. Once I take 2 or 3 rocks of the needle I slip it back on. Same when I have one on my thumb for when quilting away from me. This is probably why it takes me forever to handquilt anything! I prefer not using one at all and pushing the needle with my fingernail but I eventually drill a hole in the nail and naturally the needle always goes for the hole. So in an effort to not have to stop quilting for a few weeks until my nail grows out I do the thimble on, thimble off routine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maride

I learned to sew 30 years ago and have never been able to use one. If I try to wear one I end up pushing the needle with another finger.

Add 20 years and I still can't use a thimble. My Grandmother tried and tried to teach me to use a thimble....but I would push the needle with a finger without a thimble. So as a result I have a callus on the finger I use to push my needle. LOL!!!

I like the little leather dots that you can place where you want them and can use them many times before changing.

I use the 18th one down on this page

http://www.lacis.com/catalog/data/AD_Thimbles.html

Open Sided Metal Thimble

I like the lip on the end, and the adjustible bands fir sixe (I have skinny fingers)

This page - who knew there were so many thinbles available?

I also can't find a thmble that is comfortable. I found Thimble-it at a craft store and love them They are small self adhesive finger pads to use when hand sewing. They are very inexpensive and I never sew without them. I think if you try them you would like this product. The web site is www.colonialneedle.com. Good luck

I'm not comfortable with thimbles either. I've tried many different kinds. Metal gives me a rash. I alternate between a leather and a backless plastic when I have to sew binding. Otherwise I just do without a thimble.

I LOVE thimbles. I have some antique ones that fit so well that I can almost just go about my business without realizing I have it on, or even worrying about it falling off. Check some antique shops - the old ones are already "broken in" - worn soft on the inside unlike the new ones I've seen. I think the difference between a really good (relatively expensive) thimble and a Joann's thimble is tremedous! My dad always said 'you get what you pay for!"

I also don't use a thimble and I am in good company: one of the most famous hand quilters in England, Lilian Hedley, hand quilts without a thimble.

Japanese thimbles which are shaped like rings.Also, Sashiko thimbles which have a small dish attached to the ring.The dish part sits in your palm and you push from there.I use them all the time,
http://www.designbyaika.com/sashiko-...bles-yubinuki/

http://www.alderspringdesign.com/ind...&productId=219