| A thimble seems like such a simple, inexpensive | | | | shouldn't be able to feel a pulse pounding in your |
| piece of sewing equipment that we rarely give | | | | finger either. A closed thimble, the more common |
| them much thought. Except when we're cursing | | | | sort that does have a top, your fingernail shouldn't |
| at them because they are bulky, slip off our | | | | touch the top inside of the thimble. |
| fingers, and get in the way. Take the thimble off | | | | Again, it should stay on when your hands hang at |
| in frustration, and soon back on it goes, as your | | | | your sides, but not be so tight as to allow you to |
| fingers start looking like plucked porcupines. | | | | feel your pulse. If you have long fingernails, the |
| When hand stitching or basting you should always | | | | open thimble may work best for you. |
| use a thimble. And don't try to make do with | | | | Alternatively, you may want to try a plastic |
| tape or foam on your fingers--a needle will | | | | thimble, which will be less likely to damage your |
| penetrate that even more easily than fabric. We | | | | nails, and is flexible enough to shape itself around |
| should have all realized it by now, but thimbles are | | | | your nail for a better fit. In general, however, |
| important, and a good fitting one would be | | | | metal thimbles are preferable, as they provide |
| wonderful, if it were possible to find. | | | | more protection. |
| So, how do you go about getting a thimble that | | | | Finally, consider the number and size of the |
| fits? Thimbles vary in whether they are open or | | | | indentations on the thimble. The more indentations |
| closed at the top, the material they are made | | | | there are the more control you will generally have. |
| from, the number and size of indentations they | | | | Two thimbles may fit on the finger or thumb |
| have, and the diameter of the thimble. You should | | | | equally well, but the one with more indentations |
| consider all four to get a thimble that fits you | | | | will allow you to maneuver your fingers more |
| correctly. The most obvious factor is the | | | | easily, and avoid being forced into awkward |
| diameter of the thimble. Most of us just grab | | | | positions to put pressure on the needle. Generally |
| something at the fabric store, without really | | | | speaking, the smaller the indentations the more |
| thinking about sizing. And the thimble market | | | | control you will have as well. However, if you |
| doesn't help all that much, because there is no | | | | work with larger needles, make sure that the |
| standardized sizing for thimbles, the way that | | | | needle head fits snugly into the thimble |
| there is for rings. | | | | indentations. If they are too small, the needle will |
| Therefore, your best choice is to try on several. | | | | slip, slowing you down and possibly causing you an |
| An open thimble, one with no top, the end of | | | | injury. |
| your finger should touch the inside top of the | | | | So, the next time you're at the fabric shop, take |
| thimble. The fingernail shouldn't contact the nail | | | | a little time to try on some thimbles of different |
| guard. The thimble shouldn't drop off your finger | | | | sizes and materials. You'll find that the right thimble |
| when your hands hang at your sides, but you | | | | can make hand-sewing infinitely more fun! |