If you are a starter and you still do not understand the benefits of thimbles, you may use an alternative. You can use some common household materials such as duct tapes and leftover fabrics. You may use masking or duct tape as an alternative to a thimble. You only have to wrap a few layers of these tapes around your fingers. Make sure not to wrap it too tight as it will make your fingers stiff and difficult to move. You may also use heavy or thick leftover fabric from your kit. You take some pieces and sew them like tiny tubes. Make sure that they give a snug fit on your fingers. Leather or faux leather fabrics are also good alternatives.