It doesn’t matter if you are the creative type or not, sewing needs to be on your list of must-try hobbies. It is a great life skill that also offers numerous health benefits, such as helping you de-stress, improving hand-eye coordination, and so on. Moreover, you can sew almost anything by hand. No need for expensive machines and year-long lessons lugging the machine around. When it comes to tutorials or guides for sewing, most of them only address machine sewing. This is mainly due to the misconception that hand-sewn items are of a lower quality than those made using a sewing machine. That is not true. In fact, hand sewing has several distinct advantages. Here are some of them: Better coordination When you sew by hand, it requires you to use your fingers and your brain at the same time. With both of them working in coordination, it can prove to be vital for helping young children develop better motor skills and also for keeping the elderly mentally healthy for much longer. Better control A sewing machine has countless moving parts and sometimes even the simplest mistakes, such as forgetting to remove a pin from the fabric, can derail your project. Hand sewing, on the other hand, poses no such issue. You have better control over your work, without having to worry about changing settings or learning new attachments. Portable You can carry your hand sewing kit wherever you go. But you cannot say the same for your sewing machine, can you? Creative outlet Hand sewing is a fun hobby that does it all: flex your creativity and motivate you to step out of your comfort zone. For instance, you can turn even the simplest store-bought shirt into a stunning embroidered piece that reflects your unique style and personality. Green skill How many times have you thrown a clothing item away because buttons fell off or threads came loose? If you learn a few simple hand sewing techniques, you can easily repair your clothes and keep them in great condition, which will prevent you from buying more, thus reducing your carbon footprint. Basic Hand Sewing Techniques Every Beginner Should Know Hand sewing is an essential skill that every sewing enthusiast should learn and use. If you are a beginner, here are a few basic techniques to start out with: Basting stitch A basting stitch is often used to hold two pieces of fabric together, including when you don’t want them to move while using your sewing machine. It is an easy technique that can be created simply by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric to create a dashed line. Use a contrasting color of thread so that it is easier to remove the basting stitches after you complete the permanent stitches. Do not lock the stitch at the ends, simply leave a long tail. Running stitch The running stitch is similar to the basting stitch but it uses small stitches and is locked at the end. It is one of the easiest and most common stitches that can be done by hand as well as by machine. It is a great choice for quick stitches or when you have to work on narrow spaces that cannot be sewn on a machine. Back stitch The back stitch is characterized by tiny stitches that can create a strong seam. If you need to mend seams on heavy fabrics, this is a perfect choice. If you have taken up sewing projects, you would know that most of them require at least some amount of hand sewing. Buttons are often hand stitched and so are hems. Also, if you leave a small seam opening to turn an item right side out, you may need to close it with a hand stitch. This is why it is important that you have the proper hand sewing tools that can help you with your projects. Apart from the thread and needle, there are a few other things that can make hand sewing a lot easier and more convenient. A thimble is one of them. Although some might call it optional, a thimble is an excellent accessory that can come in handy when you work with heavier fabrics or when you need to push the needle through multiple layers of fabric. It protects your finger and also allows you better grip. The best thimbles for hand sewing are designed to be worn on your middle finger so when you push the needle through, it doesn’t hurt or prick your finger. At Thimbles For You, we offer an extensive collection of thimbles, in addition to other hand sewing and hand applique tools. Browse through our online store to discover chatelaines and accessories like: pin cushions, thread waxers, hand magnifiers, seam rippers, and my favorite: Scissor sheaths. Shop now.

If you are a sewing or quilting enthusiast, chances are you already know what a thimble is. But if you are a beginner or have never used this little accessory, this blog is for you. So, what is a thimble? A thimble may be defined as a fingertip covering in the shape of a cap that is made of metal and worn to protect the finger when you push the needle through the fabric. Although traditional sewing thimbles were made exclusively of metal, today you can also pick from a wider variety of materials, including rubber and leather. Thimbles can be used for any task that requires hand workmanship but they are most popularly used in sewing and quilting. They can also be decorative, collectible items. Types of Thimbles Although there are several types of thimbles, such as sewing thimbles and hand quilting thimbles, they can be divided into two categories: Closed top A closed top thimble, as the name suggests, has a flat or dome covering and covers the entire top portion of your finger. Open nail An open nail thimble, unlike the closed top, has a shorter dome covering, allowing the fingernail to push through the opening. You can slip it on your finger and move it around until it is snug, much like a ring. This type of thimble is especially beneficial for those with long nails as it keeps the nail of the finger exposed. Thimbles are available in various sizes, shapes and styles. Because of the soft finger tip and variety of knuckle bone shapes, you may need to try on a few before you find the right fit. Reasons To Buy and Use a Traditional Sewing Thimble Thimbles are a widely used sewing and quilting notion, especially among those who like to sew or quilt by hand. Here are some of the reasons why you should use them, too: Protect your fingers This is perhaps the most important reason you should wear a thimble. You can use a metal thimble to push the needle into even the toughest and most slippery fabrics without worrying about it pricking your finger or injuring you in any other way. Allow you more control As a beginner, you might feel awkward having a covering on your finger. But once you get used to it, you will realize that the solid part of your finger allows more precision and control in your sewing. Prevent finger cramps When you sew for a long time, it can be tiring on your fingers. With a thimble to push and control for you, you can prevent that stress as well as finger cramps and muscle problems like carpel tunnel. Collectibles Another reason why you should buy a thimble is that they are considered collectibles. Antique and precious metal (and gemstone) thimbles, with unique designs and rich history, are a rarity, which makes them a prized possession among collectors. Which Finger Should You Wear a Thimble On? Most people sew with their dominant hand. So, if you hold the needle with your right hand, you should wear the thimble on your right hand, on the finger you use to push the needle through. If you are left-handed, wear it on your left hand. The thimble is most commonly worn on the ring finger or middle finger but some also wear it on their thumb. If you alternate between fingers to push the needle, you can choose to wear two thimbles. Although some prefer to wear gloves, thimbles are a better and more convenient choice because they do not restrict the movement of your fingers. How Should a Thimble Fit? Ideally, a thimble shouldn’t be too loose or constricting on your finger. It should fit comfortably, with the top of the thimble resting gently on the tip of your finger. As you try on thimbles look for one that settles solidly on the top of the finger. It should also be tight enough that it does not fall off when dangled. How To Use a Thimble? Wear the thimble on your ring or middle finger. Hold the needle between your thumb and index finger. As you sew, use the finger with the thimble to push the needle through the fabric. Depending on what you are comfortable with, you can push using the top of your finger or the side. If you have never used a thimble before, it may initially feel slightly unusual on your finger. But as you continue to use it in your sewing or quilting projects, you will get more used to it and the comfort and convenience it offers. If you wish to explore the art of hand sewing or quilting, a thimble is a must-have in your arsenal. Check out our online store to discover a wide assortment of traditional sewing thimbles. We also offer hand quilting thimbles in various designs. Shop now.

(ie: Please come to a quilt show and try these thimbles on!?) There is no easy way to measure for a thimble. We can get close to figuring out the correct size, but the answer to the problem is TRY ON THE THIMBLE. In other YouTube Videos, I explain the ‘shape problem’. We all have different shapes for the length of our fingers: Square, Round and Oval. This shape is easier to work out in an open nail thimble, than a closed top thimble. Fingers can also be tapered from the knuckle to the end (Bicycle thimble), or blunt on the end (Planets thimble), or actually larger at the flesh pad at the end than the knuckle (Secret Butterfly thimble). Many thimbles are somewhere in the middle of these extremes. Most fingers will fit more than one of the styles. If you are trying to purchase a thimble online, there is also the ‘Where should I measure?’ question… I usually ask for a measurement at the base of your fingernail and a measurement at the largest part of the knuckle. One of the difficult parts of these measurements (even if you get the 1/10th of a centimeter measured perfectly) is that your finger and mine will not have the same distance between the 2 spots that are measured. This interval is difficult to measure and report because the nail side of your finger may not have the same interval as the back or the sides…? Another problem is the ‘Curvy or flat fingernail’ question. Why does this matter? Well, you can poke yourself in the space where your fingernail does not match your thimble ‘nail guard’. You can look at your thimble finger nail and assess whether your nail is fairly flat (Lily of the Valley Short thimble) or fairly curvy (Lily of the Valley tall thimble). The Thistles or Lily of the Valley with gem are both ergonomic thimbles… they have a nice curve toward the (curvy) nail, and enough space on the sides of the fingernail tip so that it will not pinch. Most of us have more than one nail shape on the same hand… My thimble finger is fairly flat, but my pinky finger is very curvy. And then there is the ‘bumpy knuckle’ issue. Many of us have a bump on the knuckle of the thimble finger. Some from penmanship or athletics… some from arthritis… some bumpy fingers even have ‘thimble bumps’. I have designed thimbles for this issue because most of us have some sort of bumpy something somewhere. The shorter thimbles (Robin Nest, Chicken, Lily of the Valley short, Butterfly short & Turtle) stop at about the base of the fingernail… depending upon your finger-to-knuckle interval. One last thing: Some of us have soft, squishy flesh on our fingertip, and some of us have firm, calloused flesh. This will affect the choices and the feel of the thimble on your finger. When I meet you at a show, I will look at your finger and make my assessment of which of these ‘finger traits’ is the most important and I will show you thimbles that should work with your finger. TRY ON THE THIMBLE is still the best way to determine the best thimble for you.

When you think of sewing tools, you consider functionality, comfort, fit, and style. But not many know that the humble thimble that makes stitching safer is a collectible. Even as there is little space for embellishments due to its diminutive size, this tool is a rarity. Antique silver thimbles for sale come with impeccable stories from history or one-of-a-kind designs. In recent times, makers of the board game Monopoly decided to discontinue its “thimble” playing piece. The reason was to make the game more relatable to younger groups, but now that thimble is a collectible. The Fascination Around Antique Thimbles For centuries, inventive thimble designers created stylish models despite the size restrictions. They also had colorful enamel patterns and expensive and semi-precious stones like polished agates. Thimbles were both hand-carved and machine-made. Materials used to make vintage thimbles were silver, bronze, gold, wood, bone, stone, porcelain, and pearl. When you buy new style thimbles online, you see plastic, rubber, metal, and leather varieties. Modern sewing tools are mostly made for practical purposes. But earlier, thimbles were also decorative pieces or doubled up as tiny perfume bottles. Tips for Antique Thimble Buyers Thimbles are tiny, portable, and thoughtful presents you can buy as souvenirs from places you visit or gift shops. Many places promise original and antique silver thimbles for sale, but when you purchase them, it will be hard to tell their value. Flea markets, auctions, and even garage sales have sewing boxes full of old thimbles. But when you shop there, the items may not have the sterling mark. It can get confusing because that is not the only thing that determines its worth. So, how to buy vintage thimbles? Visual Damages If plated or sterling silver thimbles have holes in them, avoid buying them. If they say repaired, double-check if the articles are extremely rare; otherwise, look elsewhere. Also, remember that repaired pieces usually sell for a lesser price than those in excellent condition. Age Although old, some plain unmarked thimbles are available for lower rates. Check the dimples to get an idea of when it was made. If it has irregular patterns, it may be hand-punched and made in the early 1800s or before. The later models have a regular pattern, are machine-made, and cost less. Store The store that has antique silver thimbles for sale also should be authentic. If you are buying online, check the credibility of the seller through a simple Google search. Read what other thimble collectors are saying. Look for complaints regarding shipping, customer service, etc., and find out if the website has repair services, too. Finally, when you buy new style thimbles online, consider taking a look at related accessories and other rare items. For instance, there are products like thimble holders or cages to safeguard your precious antiques. Silver thread bobbins, needle keepers, and vintage scissor sheaths make a grand addition to your sewing-based collection.

Whether you love quilting, embroidering, or hand-stitching, thimbles are great sewing tools to keep your finger protected. Sometimes, when you push the needle into the fabric with your finger, you may feel a “sinkhole” or a tiny puncture may appear over time. When you wear a thimble covering your finger pad, there is no such accident. Especially if you buy open nail style thimbles, you benefit from added comfort. Jan’s thimbles have an open nail, so that your fingernail shows through a large opening in the side of the thimble. When to Use an Open Nail Thimble Jan’s thimbles are solid sterling silver. They are usually worn on the middle finger. But some avid quilters wear one on the thumb (for going backward with the needle) or on the ring finger (which is more straight on toward the needle). Since it is a foreign object that you work with while stitching, it may take some time/practice to learn. Remember that it is a tool, and that tools are helpful when used correctly. So, it is vital that you start to use it when beginning to learn needlework. Experienced quilters and tailors say that stitching with a thimble comes naturally to them. This is because they started to use the tool when they started to learn to hand sew. There are many styles of thimbles: open nail thimbles, closed-top thimble, Yubi band thimbles, or tapered tailor thimbles. Many thimbles are tapered to suit the shape of human fingers, but short band (Yubinuki) thimbles are flat, round bands that are not tapered. What Is an Open Nail Thimble? A closed-top thimble covers the fingertip fully, while an open nail thimble is open to show off your fingernail. It is extremely comfortable if you have long fingernails. It facilitates air movement, and your finger doesn’t feel suffocated or sweaty from being covered for extended periods of sewing or quilting. Most designs of open nail style thimbles are metal but may accompany a leather or rubber-like material so that the thimble doesn’t slip on your finger. These manufactured thimbles are not fitted to your finger, but rather they are made in only 3 sizes. Jan makes thimbles that fit. They come in every size from 0.5 to 14 and many shapes. The sterling silver thimble looks more like jewelry than just a practical piece of equipment. It is fitted to your finger. Many quilters have one size for summer (when you are a bit larger because of heat and humidity) and winter (when you are a bit smaller because of cold and dry). Fitted thimbles do not slip on your finger or let the needle slip while stitching. An open thimble leaves ample space for long nails without feeling cramped and looks flattering. You can also avoid unpleasant levels of perspiration that impact your work.    It has a solid back (with dimples) that stops near your knuckle. It goes all the way over the top, covering the fingertip. The pad has a dotted surface to catch the needle snugly, and the lip at the top keeps you from sticking the needle up under the nail, while applying additional pressure on the needle when you are working on tough bits of fabric. Finding the Right Open Nail Thimble for You By now, you may understand that the right size matters when it comes to open nail thimbles. A proper fit ensures that you use the needle faster and minimize stress on your finger. You will also find that you produce more accurate stitches and high-quality output. In contrast, an ill-fitting thimble slips around on your finger. It grips the needle poorly and you lose quality in your stitch length and placement. You may feel like you have to start learning to hand stitch all over again, but with a well fitted thimble, it is the beginning of something much more comfortable than you have done. If the thimble feels like it is falling off, your thumb usually comes to the rescue. If it is too tight, your hand may just think of the thimble as a splint and refuse to use it. The best way to find the right size thimble is to take precise measurements. Look honestly at your thimble finger, and analyze the shape: round or oval? Square or triangle? Is your knuckle larger than the rest of your finger? Is your fingernail flat or curved? If you are buying thimbles online, use Jan’s acrylic ring sizer. Or, take a narrow strip of paper, wrap it around the base of your nail and measure it. Likewise, do another sizing near the knuckle. Measurements should be to the tenth of a millimeter. These numbers are compared to a chart of American Ring Sizes. Thimbles are sized by the inside of the lowest part of the thimble that goes all the way around. Some people use the middle finger for stitching and quilting, but they use the pointer finger for embroidery. In comparison, others use their thumbs for all these things. Jan has thimbles to fit every finger and every size. If you use your index finger or the thumb, make sure the piece fits you right. Also, consider the motion – whether you push the needle with the side or end of the finger. How to Know If It Is a Good Fit? You have bought the thimble and tried it on but are not sure if it fits properly? Then check if the thimble stays still even when the fingers are facing down. If it is too big a size, it will slide around or even fall to the floor. If it is too tight you will feel your pulse inside the thimble. Sit quietly and listen to your body. Most sellers also can also personalize the open nail style thimbles to conform to your finger’s contours. So, before purchasing, call them with your special request. If you already have thimbles that need repairing, contact Jan for fitting and repair help. This will make your sewing time stress and pain-free.

A thimble is a protective shield worn on the finger or thumb generally worn during sewing. While collecting thimbles became popular in the mid 1800 as a result of the special thimbles that were made for the Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, the earliest known thimble was Roman and found at Pompeii. Made of bronze, it has been dated to the first century AD. A Roman thimble was also found at Verulamium, in the UK. and can be seen in the museum there. The first thimble made in England was in 1695 by a Dutch metal worker named Lofting. It was called the ” thumb-bell,” because it was worn on the thumb when in use, and shaped like a bell. The shape eventually changed, but the name, softened into thimble, still remains. Thimbles are usually made from metal, leather, rubber, wood, glass, or china. Early thimbles were sometimes made from whale bone, horn, or ivory. Advanced thimble makers enhanced thimbles with semi-precious stones to decorate the apex or along the outer rim. Thimble artists would also utilize enameling. Originally, thimbles were used solely for pushing a needle through fabric or leather as it was being sewn. However they have since gained many other uses and mythologies. In the 1800s they were used to measure spirits (hence the phrase “just a thimbleful”). Women of the night used them in the practice of thimble-knocking where they would tap on a window to announce their presence. Thimble-knocking also refers to the practice of Victorian schoolmistresses who would tap on the heads of unruly pupils with dames thimbles. Thimbles have also been used as love-tokens and to commemorate important events. A miniature thimble is one of the tokens in the game of Monopoly. Before the 18th century the small dimples on the outside of a thimble were made by hand punching, but in the middle of that century, a machine was invented to do the job. Another consequence of the mechanisation of thimble production is that the shape and the thickness of the metal changed. Early thimbles tend to be quite thick and to have a pronounced dome on the top. The metal on later ones is thinner and the top is flatter. In the 19th century many thimbles were made from silver. Because this is a soft metal, it is easily pierced by a steel needle. Charles Horner solved the problem by using a steel core covered inside and out by silver. The result was still as pretty as a traditional silver thimble but more practical and durable. He called his thimble the Dorcas and these are now popular with collectors. Early American thimbles made of whale bone or tooth featuring miniature scrimshaw designs are considered valuable collectibles. Such rare thimbles are prominently featured in a number of New England Whaling Museums. During the First World War silver thimbles were collected from “those who had nothing to give” by the British government and melted down to buy hospital equipment. In the 1930s and 40s red-topped thimbles were used for advertising. Leaving a sandalwood thimble in a fabric store helps to keep moths away. People who collect thimbles are known as digitabulists.

We have had a rough 2020.  Resilience has been the halmark of the entrepreneur survivors. I have had a really refreshing year for design work.  As many of you know it has been my normal schedule to vend at Quilt Shows for 40 weekends (out of 52).  I have met 1000’s of you… and examined your middle fingers.  We have fitted extremes of size and proportion.  I learned over the PAST 10 years… what you needed in terms of shape and size.  I spent 2020 working on those styles/shapes/sizes.  Lots of new ideas and many more adorable designs have emerged… some of which have not been tried on at a show….yet….. ! Because of the resilience of the Quilting World… I am thrilled to work with you.  I love that you and I are ‘makers’.  We have many of the same creative blunders in common. We lay our essential tools down all over the workroom. (and then cannot find them…!) We have waayyyy more ideas than time to accomplish them. (Yes, I have a silver stash) We are filled with joy as we examine brilliant work (done by anyone).  (We come to shows to see other people’s work, not JUST to shop). Our creative worlds are often chaotic and messy and confusing to our loved ones… But pure joy to those who understand.   Thimbles have been a full time job for me since 2015.  (part time before that). I am delighted that you have found my website, and I would love to walk you through the fitting and using part of thimbles.  In Person is the best way, BUT I’m working pretty hard on the online method as well. 32 New thimbles that I designed and produced this year: Queen Bee Dragonfly and Iris Starry Night Dome Wild Rose Dome Blackberry Dome Thistle Yubinuki Band Thistle Dome Flower Basket Quilt Rim Owl Good Luck Dome Ocean Waves Dome Art Quilt Frannie Quilt Argyle Dome Lovely Quilt Vintage Bicycle Chicken, Hen and Rooster Thimble Celtic Tailor Thimble Butterfly Quilt Butterfly Quilt with a gem American Gothic Thimble Secret Butterfly Custom Thimble Peacock Thimble Lily of the Valley Tall Quilt Frog Prince Thimble Bunny Rabbit Thimble G Tailor Thimble Pailsey Dome Thimble Betsy Ross Flag Thimble

A thimble is a cap that fits over the end of your finger to protect it when pushing a needle through fabrics as you sew. The word, derived from Middle English, literally means “thumb shield” (but most of us don’t use it on our thumbs). The thimble has a long history. The oldest existing thimble is Roman, found in the ruins of Pompeii. It is bronze. However, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made bronze thimbles. Primitive thimbles of bone and leather probably also existed because thimbles have been used by every known culture. These thimbles did not survive the centuries. Through the years, thimbles have evolved in a number of ways. Both the materials used and the means of production have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become decorative and collectible as well as practical. With modern thimbles, Hand sewing has become the activity of a queen. With this simple tool, you can save your fingers from needle pricks and your expensive manicures from damage. Today, both types and styles of thimbles are unique in their diversity, and each has its purpose. You need to choose what suits you the best. Both sewing masters and ordinary people use this protective cap to mend a pocket, or re-attach a button. However, thimbles for sale are not as simple as they may seem at first glance. Let’s learn more about them. How to use Thimbles? You can buy new thimbles online and use them for any sort of hand work. People use them mainly for garment sewing and quilting; but those who spend their creative energies on hand embroidery and applique also find different thimbles to use. If you have not used a thimble, it might feel strange and uncomfortable. Remember, finger protection is important. Therefore, if you just try on a few and practice, you will find that you can get used to new techniques with this tool in just a few days. Most thimbles have numerous small indentations so that the end of the needle does not slip when pushed through layers of fabric. My thimbles have these ‘dimples’ organically placed where your finger naturally pushes a needle. My thimble ‘dimples’ are cylinders with flat bottoms. This bottom corner catches and holds the needle better than manufactured thimbles with rounded bowl shaped indentations. Which finger should I put it on? Most people wear their thimble on the middle finger. But you can also put it on the ring finger or even the thumb if it is more convenient for a particular sewing style. By observing your hands, you can determine which finger pushes the needle. When wearing a thimble, you will use it to guide and move the needle through the fabric. You can guide and push with the top of your finger or the side, depending on the mechanics of your fingers and the placement of the job at hand.   Most people wear a thimble on the middle finger (usually pushing with the top corner or the side) or the ring finger (with 2 fingers on the needle, you use the end of the thimble to push with your ring finger) . However, some people prefer to wear their thimble on the index finger and some frame quilters use their thumb. You can wear two thimbles at once. You may have to try a few thimbles before you can find the one that fits perfectly. You can buy new open nail style thimbles online and get them delivered to your doorstep. Which type of thimble should you use? Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. Here are 4 that I make: Traditional ‘bucket’ thimbles are made with a dome top or a rim top. There are many variations of these two: (tall and short, tapered and straight)   Open nail thimbles have an opening for your fingernail to poke out. The opening can be large or small… just the nail or half of the finger… Either way, it’s a nice air conditioning vent for your sweaty, hard-working finger.   Tailor thimbles have no top at all. They were made popular in the early 1900’s by the male garment makers in New York. These are often used on thumbs.   Thimble Bands are usually less than 1/2inch tall. They are worn covering your cuticle, setting on top of your knuckle. These are of Japanese origin. The Japanese term is Yubinuki, and traditional Japanese ones are made of delicately stitched and ornately woven silk threads covering a heavy strip of paper that fits YOUR thimble finger.   These bands are most often used for applique and light weight embroidery projects that will need a bit of your fingernail to keep the floss or ribbon or applique fabrics in check. Your choices in sewing tools depends on your individual preferences and the job at hand. If you sew by hand, you can buy new style thimbles online. For sewing patchwork quilts, embroidered garments, and applique pillows… choose one of my good-quality sterling silver thimbles and use it properly.