Can not use a thimble?

I would highly recommend ThimbleLady thimbles. I wasn't sure how I'd like them so bought the plastic for relatively cheap. Wore it through but liked the functionality and fit (they give fitting instructions). I then bought one of the stainless steel. It's open-ended with rather deep holes on one tapered side. Very comfortable to use. You do need to get used to pushing with the side of your finger instead of the end as I used to do. But definitely a hit with me.

Kim in NJ

Mary, I don't have a ready link to any of the thimbles, since I buy mine locally. But I did a quick check at the Checker Distributor website..... They are actually called "rubber thimbles" and come from Dill Buttons (those buttons that come in tubes and are often displayed in shops in a "cubby" display showing a button on the cap of the tube??) Check your favorite on-line site, or your LQS and see if they have them. Note: these thimbles seem to run a bit on the large side. I wear a 9 or

10 metal thimble, but a medium rubber thimble. In fact most of the people I know use a medium or small one of these.

Enjoy. Pati, > Pati C. wrote:

That same site does have what they call Dill thimbles "Jelly finger" thimbles. which look to be about the same as the ones I use. The ones on the site are carded and don't seem to have the little "flowers" that decorate the ones I use. But that could also just be the photo.

Pati, > Here's an "opening for nails" thimble to check out Tia. I've been using this

OK -- thanls bunches. I'll check around and see what I can find. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

I would highly recommend ThimbleLady thimbles. I wasn't sure how I'd like them so bought the plastic for relatively cheap. Wore it through but liked the functionality and fit (they give fitting instructions). I then bought one of the stainless steel. It's open-ended with rather deep holes on one tapered side. Very comfortable to use. You do need to get used to pushing with the side of your finger instead of the end as I used to do. But definitely a hit with me.

Kim in NJ

I've seen this for sale befor but have never seen it in person to try it on ..Looks like it would work.

also found those colored plastic/silicone thimbles with a recessed area onthe top . I tried those colored ones on in a shop but could never find one to fit me...not sure if one size was missing or just not for me. Mary

Lots on thimbles out in WWW land . Got these by googling thimbles and then images. Anyway a gorgeous hand made Japanese thimble and directions on how to make one .

Here are directions on how to use that open ended tailoring thimble...never knew you were supposed to put a piece of cloth through it before wearing it. for long fingernails...I do have the one that the needle glances off..think I tried it once...but didn't have the one for long nails. Actually didn't see it for sale when i bought it at a show. Mary

Recently, one of our guild members told us about a product used for binding horses legs. Sounds crazy, but I found some at a tractor sales store. It was $2.99 a roll (4 inches X 5 yards). It is a cohesive elastic bandage. You simply cut off a few inches and mould it to your finger with more placed where your needle would hit. It holds its shape when removed. You can adjust the size as your fingers swell. Can be used several times before making a new one. The roll will make many thimbles. And it comes in pretty colours, I chose purple. This brand is called True Flex

Cheryle in Ontario

Definitely affordable! I didn't get the video either - went to her website and I think there was a quick on-line video about use. Quilt is definitely loose in the frame/hoop. I also tried the long needles that she sells but have gone back to the 'normal' betweens. I do keep the quilt fairly loose and that seems to make the quilting much easier. Longer needles were fine but the betweens were just more comfortable. Guess that's cuz that's what I've 'grown up' with in my limited quilting experience.

Too late for me. I ended up buying a ring thimble. I push with the side of my finger so standard thimbles didn't work for me at all. Debra in VA See my quilts at: