Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Ultimate Guide to Thimbles

Increase hand-sewing efficiency with this classic notion
Threads #208, April/May 2020

There are many great pleasures in my sewing practice that I originally resisted. One was the use of a thimble when hand sewing. A thimble felt awkward and in the way. However, a professor I encountered during my studies required me to wear a thimble for handwork. After a bit of practice, I was hooked. My thimble now feels like an extension of my hand and is possibly my most treasured sewing tool. I teach my own students—and encourage all  sewers—to embrace the benefits and joys of wearing a thimble while hand sewing.

A thimble enables you to use more of your hand while hand sewing, as opposed to simply pinching the needle between two fingers. When you have a thimble protecting the middle finger of your stitching hand, you can push the needle through the fabric, giving you greater control, precision, and speed. I’ll show you how wearing and using a thimble compares to holding a pencil—something you probably do every day. With practice, you’ll stop dreading hand sewing and start discovering all the ways it can improve the quality of your garments. A thimble might even help you fall in love with handwork.

Choose the right one

The key to using a thimble effectively is finding one that fits your finger and suits your sewing style. You may need to try a number of thimble types and sizes before you settle on the one that feels comfortable and helps, rather than hinders, your sewing.

Find your fit

Most often, a thimble for garment construction is worn on the middle finger of your sewing hand. There is no consistent sizing convention for thimbles, so trial and error is the best way to find one that works for you. To test for a good fit,…

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More