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.