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Hi everyone! I need help! I'm currently hand stitching the binding on a quilt for my grandson. BUT, my right index finger is so sore because I pull the needle through several layers. It feels really bruised inside. What do the rest of you do or wear on that finger to easily pull the needle through????
You can buy a leather finger protector that helps take the bite out of the needle going into your finger. It helps I use one when I hand quilt.
If you are right handed and push the needle through for each stitch on the back of the binding, then I suggest any kind of thimble for that finger. It helps tremendously. And, if you have the same problem on the receiving side of the needle then I would use a leather thimble or any other kind for that side too. I know what it is like. There is something called "quilter's callous" and you get that the more you hand quilt a quilt. Good luck with your poor finger!! If your fingers get sore then use "bag balm" on your fingers and the next day they are usually like new. Piece and blessings, Vicki
I'd probably use a leather thimble too so that when you pull the needle thru the material you don't have to grip it so hard. I have arthritis in my fingers so I'm going to be looking for these too. Can anyone on here tell us where to find them?
Our guild last night had a speaker discussing big stitch quilting. She recommended one of those finger stalls that office workers use when sorting through papers (can be found at office supply stores). Put this on the RECEIVING finger and it helps you grip your needle easier for the pull-through, and cushions at the same time. Vicki is right. You are getting a 'quilter's callous' and the more you use the finger for pulling, the tougher it will get.
I use adhesive tape to protect my fingers. It works better for me than the little pads they sell at quilt shops.
when i was growing up you could tell the ladies that quilted-they all had little "bandages" on their fingers to protect their fingers while they quilted.
Wow, thank you for all of your comments....now I have a sense of direction. I go to quilting class tomorrow, so perhaps she will have some of these leather, etc. thimbles there. I never thought to ask her for them as I always did machine stitching till now. Thank you again ladies, I really appreciate your input. Happy stitching!
You can use a deflated balloon to grip your needle and help you pull it through. Also, at quilt shops you can buy packages of round flat pieces of rubber about the size of a quarter that will do the same thing...sorry, I can't remember what they are called.Then there is Thimble-It which are small oval rubber pads that stick to your finger(s) to keep them from getting sore. :) Barb
I keep a rubber band in my sewing kit, it helps to grip the needle. But, I do try to push the needle through as far as possible with the finger that I wear a thimble on.
I found that I had to try a few different things until I found the right one for me. I've tried rubber thimbles with and without metal ends, leather thimbles, plastic finger guards, stick on thimble-its, bandaids, surgical tape. Depending on what I am working on they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Just try a few things until you get something you are comfortable with.
I hope your finger feels better soon!