finger protection when sewing- can't use thimbles

[Pudden]

I've just finished piecing a quilt together (machine done) and will soon start the hand quilting stage. From experience I know my fingers will look shredded soon after but I can't use thimbles as they are too rigid.
Anyone have the same problem and have found something that works for them?

cheers

You can get leather finger protectors from the more craft type sewing shops.

like these

I sew for a living and couldnt work without my thimble. Has anyone shown you how to use one? You push the needle into the fabric with the side, not the top, of the thimble - takes a bit of practice but very easy and quick when you've got the hang of it.

You can even get thimbles that don't have tops; they're like little metal sleeves for your finger, and fit quite snuggly onto your finger. Good if you find thimbles slip off easily.

Your quilt sounds lovely; good luck with the final bit!

Have you got the right thimble? I have a very old one (vintage I guess) that must have been used many hours by different ladies, it's 100 times better than any of my modern ones. So maybe try a better quality one.

If you're not allergic to glue (like I am), then have you tried thimble dots, such as www.barnyarns.co.uk/Leather-Thimble-Pad-pr-26965.html

some great ideas there thank you everyone

Cotton patch sell ones which you can make out of special material.