For individuals interested in creating their distinctive clothing, practicing sewing is one of the many great pleasures available to enthusiasts. In an era where mass production and fast fashion are on the rise, aficionados who prefer creating unique ensembles are reviving the craft of hand-sewing clothing with basic tools like a traditional sewing thimble. A thimble should seem like a natural extension of your hand and may even become a priceless sewing accessory for creating fashionable clothing by hand. What is a Traditional Sewing Thimble When hand sewing, it’s a good idea to use a thimble to guard your fingertips from bruising and needle-prick injuries. Thimbles are worn on the finger to push the needle through the fabric. Most thimbles are made of metal, yet historically there were also leather caps that were fitted over your fingertip like a tiny cup. The roots of the words “thimble” and “thumb” are similar, and in fact many quilters wear a thumble on the thumb for quilting in the opposite direction. History of Traditional Sewing Thimbles Over 30,000 years ago, mammoth hunters sewed pearls onto pieces of leather using the earliest known thimbles. The first thimble as we know it today was created in England by a Dutch metalworker around 1695. Being worn on the thumb and having a bell-like shape at the time led to the term “thumb-bell” being used to describe it. Thimbles were formerly used to shield the finger while it pressed a needle into leather or fabric. Since then, they have developed new myths and applications. Thimbles were employed in the 1800s to measure alcoholic beverages. These were also used by women of the night to tap on a window or door to let someone know they were there. Thimble-knocking also describes the tactic used by Victorian schoolmistresses to discipline disruptive students by tapping their heads with thimbles. After the 18th century, tools for making thimbles were developed. The metal’s thickness and shape changed because they were no longer manufactured by hand. Early thimbles frequently have a prominent dome on top and are extremely thick. The top of later thimbles is flatter and narrower. Typically, traditional sewing thimbles are constructed of porcelain, glass, leather, or rubber. Early thimbles were occasionally crafted from ivory, horn, or whale bone. A few hundred years ago, it was typical for thimble artisans to embellish their creations with semi-precious stones to decorate the rim. Many thimbles were manufactured of silver during the 19th century. But because silver is such a soft metal, a steel needle might readily pierce it. A hardening process is now used to make the silver metal 78% stronger than the old ‘dead soft’ silver that came straight from casting. Today’s thimbles are often constructed of silicone, rubber or metal and shield sewers from tweezers and sharp needles. The traditional sewing thimbles made at Thimbles for You are heirloom quality hardened 925 solid sterling silver. How to Choose a Thimble Thimbles come in several varieties and are employed for various tasks. Here are some key points to note before you purchase one: Ensure it Fits Most thimbles are worn on your dominant hand’s middle finger. Choose a thimble that is the right size—not too tight or loose. Place it on the middle finger of your sewing hand to see if it fits both the shape and size of your finger. Your fingertip should touch the metal end of the thimble. Now, move your fingers while hanging your hand at your side. You’ve found a strong contender if it stays on and doesn’t seem tight. Pick a Style You Fancy Depending on your comfort, pick a material that suits your requirements. You could pick one made of leather with a protective metal cap fitted inside, a plastic thimble, or one made of metal like the sterling silver traditional sewing thimbles we make. You are looking for a thimble that feels like part of your hand, yet it is a helmet to protect you from harm. Purchase the Best Traditional Sewing Thimbles At Thimbles For You, Jan Marie Larson crafts heirloom-quality, durable sterling silver thimbles that can be used for all kinds of hand-sewing requirements. Purchase yours today!

If you’ve ever ventured into the sewing notions section of a sewing or craft store, you’ll find many different sewing tools to choose from. There are simple elements like a pin cushion, needle and thread, and more difficult to understand ones like thimbles. Numerous pieces of equipment and supplies can make you feel like you’re on pins and needles! Jokes apart, the world of sewing is boundless, filled with materials and techniques that are used in many sewing crafts. The variety of sewing supplies for a beginner can be a little overwhelming. While specific sewing resources are necessary, some are enjoyable extras that are only needed for specific crafts, thimbles are used by anyone who sews anything by hand. If you’re new to sewing crafts, this beginner’s guide will help you grasp the world of sewing tools and how they work. You’ll soon discover there’s more than just needle and thread you need in your sewing kit. Scissors Fabric shears are unquestionably among the most crucial supplies you’ll need to keep on hand in your sewing kit. Because their blades might become dull and damage the fabric, it’s crucial to keep them separate and only use them for stitching. Spend wisely on them rather than choosing the cheapest options because decent ones can last a long time. Thread cutting scissors are also important. While hand sewing, you will often reach for handy, smaller scissors to simply cut a thread. Thimble The thimble is perhaps the most typical sewing instrument that has been around for centuries and is required for manual sewing. This handy bucket-shaped metal item protects your finger when pushing a needle through layers of cloth and batting. You can purchase ones made of plastic or wood, but I recommend sticking to metal for its durability and sturdiness. A simple thimble is all you need, but there are many sizes and styles out there. It is important that your thimble fit properly, or you will spend too much time holding onto the thimble with your thumb or picking it up off the floor. When buying a thimble, you should try them on and make certain that your fingertip is solidly at the end of the thimble… and that you can dangle the thimble at the tip of your finger, and it does not fall off. If you want something more elaborate, you can buy thimbles that resemble jewelry. The ones with the open nail design allow your longer fingernail to emerge from the back of the thimble. It’s air conditioning for your hard working finger. These are made of silicone and rubber and leather… Given their durability, the ones made in good quality sterling silver are the best thimbles for hand sewing. Seam Ripper Even the greatest among us occasionally make mistakes, and this small tool can help in such situations. You can use this little tool to remove accidents and extra stitches. In addition to its repair application, you may also use it to turn out tiny corners and open buttonholes. Make sure to spend your money on a comfortable and sturdy handle. Sewing Clips Handling these little instruments is considerably safer and more accessible than pins. They are beneficial for maintaining the integrity of stacked portions. Additionally, because they have flat sides and backs, you can use them to hold fabric at an angle to prevent puckering or wrinkling at the hem or edge. The main benefit of purchasing these is that you may use them on textiles like laminate, leather, vinyl, silk, and satin, where pins are inappropriate. That is a win-win scenario! Fabric Markers To designate notch and line locations on fabric there are a variety of marker types. Chalk, water soluble markers and air erasable markers can all be used. Choosing a marker is a choice that depends on the color of fabric, fabric type and design for the quilting pattern. The most important part of choosing a marker is to always test it on any fabric you are using to be sure that you will be able to remove it from the fabric.

You have started out on your sewing journey. You already have a needle and a thread. Now it’s time to explore this hobby further–but wait. You realize there is more to sewing tools than the very basic needle and thread, and the internet is as confusing as ever. Don’t worry, every new journey feels slightly overwhelming in the beginning. The good news is, you can read this blog to figure out the essential tools you need to find to make your sewing experience more fruitful and enjoyable. Read on! A Sewing Machine To begin with, you need to find a sewing machine that is easy to use and suits all your sewing needs. They typically come with sewing machine needles and bobbins. A sewing machine is a great investment, but if you are hesitant to go all in, an ordinary one at home or a borrowed one will do. Just know that a good sewing machine can make your dream project come to life quite easily! A Tape Measure A tape measure is an important sewing tool. Sewing tape measures are made of plastic and fiber, so it is best to use a new one, since a stretched tape measure can be more of a hurdle than help. Keep it rolled up and in your sewing kit. Fabric Scissors Not only do you need a pair of scissors exclusively dedicated to sewing, you need them to be high-end and sharp. Dull scissors can ruin your entire project! They will cause fraying and damage the fabric, and your cuts need to be precise for achieving the best possible results. Do not pass over investing in a proper pair of scissors. You may also need a smaller pair of thread cutting scissors. They come in many handy styles. Iron or Steamer You need to iron your fabric before making any cuts. Wrinkles in your fabric can hinder the cutting process, and inaccurate cuts can put your project at risk. Perfectly laid seams and stitches can make a major difference in how your finished product comes out. Pins and Pincushions Pins are used to attach patterns to the fabric and for temporarily holding the seam together before stitching. Pins are quite essential for sewing straight, and can be kept organized and at hand with a pincushion. Thimble If you are more into hand sewing, thimbles are an essential tool for creative needlework. They keep your fingers protected when pushing the needle through layers of fabric. There are several types of thimbles you can use, and what’s more, they come in the most beautiful designs! Jan makes and sells handcrafted sterling silver thimbles of all kinds: Traditional closed, dome top, modern open nail, and many of the old tailor thimbles and sewing bands. These are often made in intricate designs that are both form and function. They are many and beautiful; collect them all! Chatelaine Necklace While we are on the topic of collectibles, don’t miss out on Chatelaine necklaces! These are a modern version of 18th-century Victorian Chatelaines worn at waist and used to store tools for everyday use. Evidently, decent pockets have eluded women across centuries. You can buy a Chatelaine necklace from the Thimbles For You website, and fasten to it anything you need for your traveling sewing project. Ready to start your sewing journey? Check out our website for handmade Chatelaine necklace and other sewing tools you will need!

History states that the first thimble was made in 1695 in England. It was shaped like a bell and worn on the thumb, which earned it the name thumb bell. Although its design has changed since then, the name remains. Well, kind of. Over the years, the humble thimble has been used for various purposes, including being used as a means to discipline unruly children in Victorian schools. In the 19th century, it was also used as a measure of alcohol. During the first World War, people who “had nothing to give” donated silver thimbles to the British Government, which were then melted down and used to buy medical equipment. Today, the thimble is a collectible as well as a sewing essential.   What To Look for in Thimbles? If you have never used a thimble before, it is important that you find one that fits your finger perfectly. There are various types of thimbles that you can choose from. But don’t buy something just because you saw your mom or your best friend use it. What works for others might not work for you. Your choice of thimble should be a personal decision made on the basis of what you need. It might take some trial and error before you find one that works best for you. Here’s what you should consider: Material/style You can choose from sterling silver thimbles, other metal thimbles, leather thimbles, silicone or rubber , and more, all in a variety of sizes. There are also opened-top thimbles (called Tailor Thimbles) and the more traditional closed-top thimbles. You can try a few different styles out to figure out what you like best or are most comfortable with. Fit The fit is undoubtedly the most important thing you should keep in mind when buying a thimble. It should not be too tight or too loose. It should fit snugly on your finger and you should be able to move your fingers around with it on. Most people wear their thimble on the middle finger of their dominant hand, but you can also wear it on your ring finger or thumb. An easy way to find the right fit is to measure your finger like you would for a ring (except aroung the base of your fingernail.   How To Measure Your Thimble Size in Inches? If you are unsure of your thimble size, you can easily measure it at home. Here’s what you will need: Ruler A thin strip of paper Pen/pencil Instructions: Cut a piece of paper into a thin strip. Wrap the strip around your finger. Make sure the strip is close at the base of your fingernail. Use your pen or pencil to mark the spot where the strip meets. Unwrap the strip and use your ruler to measure the distance. You can then check our size chart to determine the perfect thimble size. It is best to measure your thimble size at the same time of day that you usually use it… because different people’s fingers tend swell at different times. Thimbles For You offers an extensive selection of thimbles, including heirloom pieces. Browse through our online store to discover stunning sterling silver thimbles, open nail thimbles, and closed-top thimbles, in addition to other sewing tools like chatelaines, bobbles, seam rippers, needle threaders, sewing travel kits, thimble cages, pin cushions, and more. Whether you are an experienced seamstress or a novice, you will find all that you need to make your sewing projects are flawless.

Knowing a few simple hand sewing techniques can prove to be a valuable life skill. It doesn’t just allow you to make small repairs (think buttons that come off, tiny tears, hem repairs and so on) but also helps you undertake simple sewing projects (like simple baby clothes or gifts). While some might say that using a sewing machine is easier and more convenient, there is something about the charm of sewing with your hand. Also, something made on a sewing machine may still need hand sewing, such as for buttons., collars or other finishing touches. Hand sewing helps you get more control over the stitches, which is what gives you the results you want. If you have never sewn by hand before, something as rudimentary as threading the needle might seem like an overwhelming task. And to be fair, threading the needle is something that can stress even the most experienced seamstresses. Many grandmother quilters have younger ‘friends’ thread a bunch of needles when they come for a visit. Here are a few tips that can make the whole process a little less frustrating and a lot more enjoyable. If you are a beginner how is excited about your first projects; here are a few tips to help you get organized and successful in hand sewing: Start by finding the right tools When you are just starting out with hand sewing, there are a few essentials you need. Obviously: the thread and needle that matches the project (wherever you get these, use the expert advise that comes with the brand). Most beginners start with a sewing kit that includes: a thimble that fits, small scissors (for thread cutting), tape measure, needle threaders, seam rippers, and a pin cushion (to store your pins and needles). Although hand sewing can seem expensive and intimidating at first, ask any expert and they will tell you that with the right tools, you can easily learn and hone your skills. Get a pin cushion A pin cushion is a small firmly stuffed cushion that makes storing and organizing sewing pins or needles easier. Because of their small size, sewing pins or needles are easy to lose. Also, if you do not store them properly, you risk of pricking yourself. You can stick the pins and needles into it. Their protruding heads will allow you to effortlessly pull them out when you need them. Many pin cushions include a small abrasive ball for removing a burr or a bit of rust from the stainless steel needles. Treat your thread with wax Thread can shread while pulling it through long rows of stitches. It can get tangled, too. That can be a hassle because the last thing you would want to do is waste your time untangling tiny threads. Waxing can help avoid theses issues. Running your thread through beeswax or a silicone version (called thread heaven or thread magic) will increase your accuracy and speed. It can make inserting the thread into the fabric (or needle) much easier. Always use a thimble for hand stitching Expert seamstresses swear by this little tool. A thimble is a fingertip covering that protects your finger when you push the needle through the fabric. It also allows you more precision and control in your sewing while preventing finger cramps. It is most commonly worn on the middle finger or ring finger. There are various types of thimbles you can choose from, some of which, such as silver thimbles, are collectibles! Keep your sewing corner organized When you find your needles and thimbles quickly, it makes the sewing process more stress-free. This is why you should keep your sewing space organized. Apart from a pin cushion, you can also have other tools at hand. Thee things, such as a pegboard, drawer organizers, clear jars, and so on can help keep your notions where you can find them. Practice makes perfect When you begin hand sewing, your stitches or patterns might not be perfect from the get-go. But it is nothing regular practice cannot fix. So, if you want to improve your hand sewing skills, take some time out every day and practice a few techniques. With these tips in hand, you are well on your way to becoming a pro with the needle and thread. For best results, always use good quality sewing supplies that can help you achieve the desired result without inconvenience. If you are looking for high-quality sewing supplies, Thimbles For You is where you need to be. Browse through our online store to discover a wide range of products, including sterling silver thimbles, pin cushions, scissors, bobbles, seam rippers, needle threaders, beeswax keepers, crochet hooks, thimble cages, thread cutters, and more. We also offer sewing travel kits that are perfect for those who like to carry their sewing essentials wherever they go. Shop now.