Make Sewing More Comfortable With Open Nail Thimbles

Jan 24, 2022 Jan Larson
Make Sewing More Comfortable With Open Nail Thimbles
All SPECIAL ITEMS 0

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.

kinds of thimbles

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.

Share:

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Hand Sewing Is Relaxing And Fun!
  • Jan Larson
Hand Sewing Is Relaxing And Fun!
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.
Learn More
Everything You Need To Know About Buying And Using Thimbles
  • Jan Larson
Everything You Need To Know About Buying And Using Thimbles
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.
Learn More
Problems Encountered When Measuring Your Finger For An Open Nail Thimble
  • Jan Larson
Problems Encountered When Measuring Your Finger For An Open Nail Thimble
(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.
Learn More
All SPECIAL ITEMS