How Did You Learn to Use A Thimble
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I have never learned. I start out with a thimble and eventually have to take it off. I can't find one to fit. They all fall off. I have fairly small fingers and none fit. I think I'm just spoiled and don't want to wear one. I do try, because the needle seems to find the same spot right next to the nail on the middle finger of my right hand. I can't even see the hole, but I sure can feel it!!! I keep trying but I'm beginning to think it's a loosing battle!!!
Sue
Sue
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,563
I love the leather thimbles, not everyone's fingers are shaped the same. I think part of the problem for lots of people is finding a proper fit.
When my mom started quilting a couple of years ago, she was having problems getting used to how her thimble felt. I told her to put it on and leave it on while she was doing non-quilting things. She wore it while driving, walking the dog, vacuuming, chatting on the phone, etc. It seems to have worked for her, she got used to how it feels.
When my mom started quilting a couple of years ago, she was having problems getting used to how her thimble felt. I told her to put it on and leave it on while she was doing non-quilting things. She wore it while driving, walking the dog, vacuuming, chatting on the phone, etc. It seems to have worked for her, she got used to how it feels.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,402
To start with I tried the leather thimble and too quickly the needle started to go thru it. Then I tried the plastic one that you boil and adjust it to the finger, it worked well and I bought a couple. Then I went to the Road to California Quilt show and found this lady that makes silver thimbles. She measured my finger and sold me a thimble that fit my finger. It is wonderful. I have three because I bought one a year, haven't seen her the past couple years so hope they have a booth this year. They are not cheap, but each one I have is special, one with an angel, one with a heart and one with a fairy.
So why so many? One in a sewing basket, one on my thread stand and the other one in my portable sewing kit. It is very hard to sew without one now and it is like needing 2 pairs of glasses, if you only have one pair that's when they break before you need to return to the optometrist.
So why so many? One in a sewing basket, one on my thread stand and the other one in my portable sewing kit. It is very hard to sew without one now and it is like needing 2 pairs of glasses, if you only have one pair that's when they break before you need to return to the optometrist.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: dallas tx.
Posts: 5,172
I had to learn when I was a little girl. My 2 Aunts who were very good seamstress's made me. I don't know how anyone can sew without one. I have run a needle thru a leather and a plastic one. I now have a good metal one with it indented on the bottom that I like.
#20
After the first time I pushed the needle end in my finger. I certainly didn't want a callous or the pain so I put on a thimble and left it on the whole time I was sewing. I kept trying to use the other finger that didn't have the thimble but when the needle started to hurt I switched to the thimble finger.
I also find that the needle pricking down onto my "under" finger ends up causing a real hole in that finger (OUCH) so I often have several layers of masking tape over the exact spot on my under finger where the needle hits - allows me still to feel the needle but with less blood loss.
One must suffer for one's art....but thank goodness for masking tape!
Alison
Last edited by alisonquilts; 01-12-2013 at 06:20 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post