Monday, March 07, 2011

Binding

Stitching 250" along a home dec weight back.  
I poked a hole into my finger with the back of my needle.  
Ugh.


I don't have a thimble so I improvised.  To avoid the bulk, I cut just the fabric, sticky part of a bandage off and stuck it over the poking part of my finger. 

So do you have a thimble-type thing you like?

21 comments:

Impera Magna said...

I bought a white leather "thimble" that had elastic on the back many, many years ago... it's been wonderful. However, I decided to get a new one and it was sewn differently and was way too tight across the top of my finger and the elastic was coming apart after the first use. I tossed that one and went back to my old one.

I've seen leather "thimbles" online that sit on the end of your finger that might work. I'm thinking about trying one of those next.

Stephanie said...

I don't have a thimble but need one too, I'll have to check back here in your comments to see what everyone recommends. I've had too many needle pokes and even my husband has told me more then once to get a thimble already.

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

I have a super thick goat leather one that I like... but I have seen several with those partially open metal ones too.

Heather said...

Okay I have found the best thimble, it is called ThimblePad and it is made by colonial needle. It is a small round piece of leather that has adhesive backing, you can reuse it several times too. I love them you should give them a shot.

Shalyse said...

My local quilt store sells a cool thimble that is made of some sort of plastic material. It's durable enough that needles don't poke through but not as wierd to use as metal ones sometimes are.

Shalyse said...

My local quilt store sells a cool thimble that is made of some sort of plastic material. It's durable enough that needles don't poke through but not as wierd to use as metal ones sometimes are.

Kathrin said...

I use al thimble made of metal which is half covering the third finger and it is variable in his size.
Normaly I sweat under the thimble, but this one is comfortable.
It is from clover.

Audrie said...

I'm shuddering thinking about your poor finger! I always use a thimble when putting on a binding and I suggest you get one pronto! A simple plastic one that fits over your middle finger is all you need.

Although one fine day, I'd like a fancy Roxanne thimble http://www.colonialneedle.com/files/roxanne/Rox_thimble_handout.pdf

Emily said...

I use a thin plastic/silicone one that's sold on amazon ... I would have to check to see what brand. But it's pliable and not traditional thimble shaped (the one side is flat where your nail is). I'm allergic to metal and rubber so this is the one that doesn't bother my skin! I do use it every time I hand sew though and it makes a world of difference for my speed!

Jessica Deering said...

Look into yubinuki. Obviously, they're Japanese, made of paper, spare fabric and thread. They're absolutely gorgeous, and leave your finger tips free. I push the needle with the side of my middle finger. It would be a change, to be sure, but to have your fingertips free is wonderful!

Michele said...

Great idea! I'm like a cat with shoes on when I wear a thimble.

randi said...

i use a leather thimble and i love it!

Leslie said...

ouch!!! i have never been able to make a thimble work for me. i never seem to find one that is comfortable and does not make the sewing feel awkward

Evelyn said...

I second the leather ThimblePad - they are cheap, tiny, and work great.

leigh said...

I have a favorite thimble and if I ever lose it I don't know what I'll do! But sometimes I have to put a bandaid inside of it because my finger startes to get a blister where it touches the edge (only if I'm hand quilting - which I haven't done in a LONG time!)

Kelly Rachel said...

Haha Michele - cat with shoes on!
I don't use a thimble or anything at all - but I like the sticking plaster idea! I'm going to try this one.

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

owee!!

I love my clover ring. It's brass & adjustable (open back). I wear it on my middle finger on the 2nd knuckle. That's where the needle seems to end as I'm holding it, so this makes it really easy to push it through. Generally though, if I have the right needle, I don't need it. Try an embroidery needle. They are like topstitching machine needles. Behind the eye, there's space for the thread to lie flat so there's never a tough spot where the needle & thread get stuck & need a push. : )

~Monika
FULL OF TIPS!! : )

Saska said...

Take all of these gal's advice and get you a thimble! My Mom would not me sew unless I learned to use one.
My favorite right now is a blue-plastic one..sold by size. But, I have several old metal ones laying around everywhere! Do I need to send you one??

Karee said...

I like the metal ended silicon base type. http://www.missouriquiltco.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=thimble

In fact, I love this thimble.

Karee said...

I like the metal ended silicon base type. http://www.missouriquiltco.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=thimble

In fact, I love this thimble.

Jessica said...

I use a little piece of Mole Skin. It comes in big sheets and is supposed to prevent blisters, but I find it to work wonderfully to protect my fingers! I find that I use 2 fingers when hand sewing, so rater than using 2 thimbles, this worked for me. You can get mole skin at most grocery stores or pharmacies and it is a cheap alternative method :) Added bonus: it is less bulky than a thimble and it won't fall off. Hope this helps! The quilt is gorgeous!