Lately I have been picking up a few new and fun sewing projects….but along with that comes the dreaded hole at the tip of my middle finger.
This little hole seams to find every single needle end- the eye. ouch!
For Christmas the honey had given me a metal antique thimble….which I totally love, but I thought today I’d talk about a few different sewing thimbles and how to use them.
How do you use a thimble?
You wear a traditional thimble (usually on your index or middle finger) to protect your finger from the eye-end of the needle. If you use your index or middle finger to push the eye-end of a needle enough times your finger will get hurt; that’s where a thimble like this comes in handy.
Metal Thimbles-
You’ll find a variety of designs and shapes…round tips, one with ridges, flat tops, etc. I would suggest playing around with a few before picking one. They do come in different sizes as well, so make sure you try it on first!
Rubber Thimbles-
The type I have been using is not the same shape as my metal thimble. There is a spot open at the tip for your fingernail to hang out if you need. The bottom has little holes as well so you don’t get a sweaty finger. who knew!? It’s easy to travel with as it’s squishy and can adjust to any shape of needle book you are using.
I have found out that when I have the thimble on it’s like a bandaid…the finger just sticks right out and hides from all use thinking it’s wounded.
The rubber thimble is a little less obtrusive so my finger doesn’t stick out and not work as much as having the metal thimble on.
Thimble Tips-
Not sure if they are called dots or tips…but they aren’t a full thimble. They are just a little dot that is sticky and you place it where you need it.
I have tried out the little quilt dots. They work as well if you don’t like wearing a thimble, but you need protection on you pushing spot on your finger.
They come in a variety of styles as well– they are rubber, metal, or a thick sticker.
How to Use a Thimble:
Do you have a favorite thimble type that you use?
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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What’s the brand and name of the rubber thimbles?