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-   -   What kind of thimbles work best for you? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/what-kind-thimbles-work-best-you-t185010.html)

barny 04-04-2012 02:30 PM

I have a leather one with brass in the bottom to push with. I love it. don't know where I got it and would buy another if I could find it. sorry I can't help you.

sewelegant 04-04-2012 02:47 PM

I have the same problem. Can't find a thimble that fits. Plus never learned how to use one. On National Quilting Day, I was at a huge show with many guilds showing their work. I asked several of the quilters, and the majority said they use bandaids! Some of them layered the bandaids. Said it worked better for them than the thimbles. I thought that was interesting!

Suze9395 04-04-2012 05:36 PM

I like the sticky leather dots for my pusher finger. If I need something underneath I like the small, smooth, stick on metal dot. I can put both exactly where I need protection and not feel like i have lost all feeling and control of my fingers.

alfosa421 04-04-2012 05:40 PM

Believe it or not I tape a dime over the tip of my finger Then tape around the finger to hold it in place. I agree about the leather thimble and just can't get used to metal or plastic

jaciqltznok 04-04-2012 05:57 PM


Originally Posted by judys (Post 5115755)
I have many thimbles and like the leather one with the round metal "spot" on one side the best. I have also used those rubber fingers for office use that come in a package of assorted sizes. I think I got the last ones at Walmart. They don't last for a really long time but are cheap, seem to stay on and make pulling the needle through easier.


those are called "coin" thimbles! They are the best!

margee 04-05-2012 05:26 AM


Originally Posted by Rubesgirl (Post 5115677)
I have been using leather thimbles for many years, but I seem to wear a thin place on them and wind up with the eye end of the needle in my finger ... OUCH! They also seem to stretch and fall off. I usually wind up wrapping them in electrical tape, which makes them less pliable. I've tried plastic ones and metal ones, but they just do not stay on and are uncomfortable. I'd love to hear what you use and find comfortable. I'm in the market to try anything once, just to save my poor, sore finger! Any advice is welcome! :)

The leather thimble I like most is: Clover Natural Fit leather thimble in size small. I have big fingers but this works good & the leather is thicker than other ones I've tried. Also in time it will get a little bigger. margee

sweetpea 04-05-2012 06:00 AM

Hamlock: I to have trouble keeping some thinbles on. I put frist-aid tape on the inside of my thinble this help and this way I can pull it out or add more.

JudyTheSewer 04-05-2012 07:02 AM

I have a small drawer devoted to thimbles I've purchased over the years in hopes of finding something that works for me. So far none are useful. I put on a bandaide occasionally when I need protection.

JReadman 04-05-2012 07:40 AM


Originally Posted by Peckish (Post 5116153)
I've struggled with thimbles also. I think I own one of every kind made. My problem is I don't use them for hand quilting, I use them for sewing, and I push the needle with the side of my finger, not the tip. I was using the black leather ones for a while, but the seams were on the side of my finger where I push, so sometimes the head of the needle would pop through the seam. Now I'm using a leather thimble made by Clover, the seams land on the top of my finger. So far I like this one best, although I can tell I'm eventually going to wear a hole through the side.

I think my next best thimble is the cone-shaped one I purchased from the Thimble Lady. Just takes some getting used to, I guess.

JReadman, I checked out that sealskin thimble and cannot imagine how you use it! Is that fur on the outside? How can you tell where your needle and thread are? Can you post a picture of yours, the one on that website is kind of hard to see because it's so small.


Don't know what's wrong but my photos won't download to show you. :( There is a little bit of fur on the outside but I have no problem telling where the needle & thread are. It's super comfortable and can be turned to wear on the side of your finger as some have posted they prefer to do.

apiarist 04-05-2012 07:52 AM

I use my mother's old thimble. She was a tailor and her thimble has no top on it. You have to learn to use the side to propel it through the fabric. It fits perfectly and because it is airy it is so comfortable to use.


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