Using cross stitch needles

[sam182]

I currently do a lot of cross stitch but I find my second finger is starting to become cracked and dry, as thats the finger I tend to use to push the needle through the fabric. I've tried using a metal thimble but its gets in the way and also tried wearing cotton gloves but I can't manage the fabric as well. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Jugglering]

Hi Sam

There is a solution ! Have you ever tried a leather thimble (they often have a little piece of metal inserted at *just the right spot* to push the needle through the fabric) - they are comfy to wear and flexible, unlike a metal thimble. Another option might be to use an *open thimble* - they are more like finger guards than all enclosing thimbles so your fingers don't perspire and get uncomfortable .... more info here

http://www.sewessential.co.uk/Category.asp?Cat egoryID=234&NumPerPage=5&page=1

[Schutzengel]

Perhaps you could try a bit thinner needle.