I absolutely love and adore using my leather thimbles. Not usually the coin types, unless I have hardcore needle driving. Clover and behind make great ones. I prefer these to metal and plastic because my finger doesn’t perspire in them.
Greetings cousin ! I an new to your channel and have devoured your videos. I have used a thimble since my first sewing job when I was 16...42 yrs ago. Since it was a male tailor who taught me, it was a open end metal thimble, which I still have.❤ The power and control you have with a thimble is amazing. An open end allows your long nail to peak through and let's the moisture out. Thank you for all you do !
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤ The history of thimbles is excellent research! I thought I was a complete idiot because my thimble kept falling off my finger all the time. I spent more time picking my thimble up off the floor than actually doing sewing. Your tip to press it into an oval shape worked so well thank you so much.
This video is perfect timing! I'm doing some hand finishing on a double layer of thick fabric and the oomph I need to push the needle through would have my finger raging mad at me if I didn't use a thimble. Also, I'm so happy to see you back! 🎉🪡
The needle end through the callous! It makes a popping sound inside your finger that travels through your body to your brain bypassing the ears. I use the medium silicone/plastic thimble twisted off centre so it protects the side of my finger better. I have a metal one but the divots aren't deep enough to properly brace the needle. A slippery thimble is a dangerous thimble.
So glad to see you publish, I was just thinking about you the other day, hope all is well! This is the most fun I've had watching someone talk about thimbles yet!
I have had such a hard time finding a thimble. I finally measured my finger and it measured a ring size 1 at the base of my nail, size 1.5-2 between my knuckle and nail base. I can not find a thimble anywhere, never have been able to. I am 64 years old and have never been able to use a thimble that stays on. I even tried making a leather thimble.
@@ThimbleAndPlume I have tried hand made silver thimbles, plastic thimbles, silicone based thimbles with a metal tip, Taylor’s thimbles, almost every type of thimble I could find when I thought about looking throughout the years but none at a size one or two, which I haven’t been able to find. Even a couple of child’s thimbles, they tend to be too short. Most adult thimbles are too wide, and/or not long enough. It seems that the smallest adult size I have been able to find equates to a size 3. I have long thin hands, with no sensory problems. I feel every stick as I sew. I love hand sewing, embroidery and cross stitch, it puts me in a zen place. But every time I start to use a thimble even one that I have tried to squish to my size, it comes off my hand in no time. I like the tailors thimble style the best, I like the hand made silver thimble with the open top(for the nail) that I have but neither have been able to stay on, it is just a bit too large and won’t squish enough to stay on. I am trying to figure out how to make it smaller. I have also tried those patches that you stick on your finger, not my favorite, but use them when my fingers get too tender.
Thimbles are really a game changer. I taught myself to use it after stabbing the blunt end through my finger one too many times. Thanks for the tip about rubber tips. I’ve been keeping a new rubber glove in with my sewing stuff for those times when the needle just doesn’t want to go through. Similar idea just way more bulky.
This is such a useful video. Thank you. I've tried for YEARS to get used to using a thimble. As I still don't wear one that tells you how successful I was. I will have to see if I can find a tailor's thimble as that looks like the most useful one to use.
I used to have a lovely silver thimble that was my favorite. Unfortunately I ended up poking holes into the top as I was sewing! Otherwise I love a vintage brass thimble.
(Yay!) Apparently I need to get a new kitten to help me learn to use a thimble. :) (Actually, lots of great advice here. I have bought about 6 thimbles in the last 6 months trying to find one that I can use, but I hadn't considered open top thimbles.)
Yup. Kittens help everything! LOL. Glad it was helpful! Definitely try out an open top. And like I said, fit is so important, and then getting used to it is key!
I'm just a beginner--but the best advice I can give is: start using a thimble, before you can sew. You're already an awkward sewer, because you're learning the stitches. Before doing any major hand-sewing I purchased a thimble. It didn't fit very well, but I only ever sew with a thimble. Recently my local tailor, who also sells sewing supplies helped me to find a thimble that fit, which has made an enormous difference.
For very beginners, it may be helpful to wear a leather thimble on the other hand's thumb, so not to poke it with the tip of the needle while holding the cloth. This is something that won't be needed after a bit of practice. But, drawing blood might get a very beginner to just quit before they can begin to learn.
I can type while wearing my thimble! But I am a 3 finger gripper and putting a thimble on my middle finger guarantees that my sewing will go completely wonky, so I wear it on my ring finger. I guess that makes me a bit of a thimble heretic, but I still never sew without it!
the biggest problem I have with a thimble is that the dimples in mass-market cheapies are too shallow--the end of the needles just slides across the surface. I must have 6 different unusable thimbles.
I learned embroidery from my mother, young enough that a random commercial thimble might actually have fit, but I'm guessing they never fit her either, because they definitely don't fit me as an adult. Even now I've actually having learned how to use one from a foray into leather, if it's too small it just comes off after a few stitches. So, yeah, I should probably go custom, really gives you a boost in that speedrunning! ... You're meant to do WHAT with a hammer?!
I don't often fool with a thimble since I am not pushing through super thick fabric. Maybe occasionally. What I need something for is on my left hand when I flat fell and do the overcast stitch my left hand index finger is often poked as I sew thru. Should I wear a thimble on my left hand index finger? I don't personally like to as I can't feel the fabric as well. But as you said a hurt finger slows production and no one wants blood on their material. Thanks!
Hrmmm...well I don't know that a thimble would be the best option for your left index finger because you do want to be able to feel the fabric like you said. Also, certain stitches, like padstitching require you to feel the needle with your finger. If you tend to poke that finger a lot, maybe stick a round piece of moleskin? or maybe a leather strip around the finger?
Does anyone have an tips for thread breaking when using a thimble? The thread gets trapped between my needle and thimble and wears away until it snaps 😕
I absolutely love and adore using my leather thimbles. Not usually the coin types, unless I have hardcore needle driving. Clover and behind make great ones. I prefer these to metal and plastic because my finger doesn’t perspire in them.
Greetings cousin !
I an new to your channel and have devoured your videos.
I have used a thimble since my first sewing job when I was 16...42 yrs ago. Since it was a male tailor who taught me, it was a open end metal thimble, which I still have.❤
The power and control you have with a thimble is amazing.
An open end allows your long nail to peak through and let's the moisture out.
Thank you for all you do !
Welcome! I am glad you are enjoying the videos! That is amazing that you still have that thimble!
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤ The history of thimbles is excellent research! I thought I was a complete idiot because my thimble kept falling off my finger all the time. I spent more time picking my thimble up off the floor than actually doing sewing. Your tip to press it into an oval shape worked so well thank you so much.
yay! I am so glad that worked for you!
i found the best fitting thimble in an antique store. I was able to try on different thimbles from a whole drawer full!!!
This video is perfect timing! I'm doing some hand finishing on a double layer of thick fabric and the oomph I need to push the needle through would have my finger raging mad at me if I didn't use a thimble. Also, I'm so happy to see you back! 🎉🪡
Yay fir perfect timing! Thank you...I'm really glad to have finally been able to upload another video!
The needle end through the callous! It makes a popping sound inside your finger that travels through your body to your brain bypassing the ears. I use the medium silicone/plastic thimble twisted off centre so it protects the side of my finger better. I have a metal one but the divots aren't deep enough to properly brace the needle. A slippery thimble is a dangerous thimble.
So glad to see you publish, I was just thinking about you the other day, hope all is well! This is the most fun I've had watching someone talk about thimbles yet!
Thank you so much! All is good, its just been a wild ride this year! I am soooooo glad you found it fun!
I have had such a hard time finding a thimble. I finally measured my finger and it measured a ring size 1 at the base of my nail, size 1.5-2 between my knuckle and nail base. I can not find a thimble anywhere, never have been able to. I am 64 years old and have never been able to use a thimble that stays on. I even tried making a leather thimble.
What type of thimbles have you tried...aside from the leather one of course. And is it a fit thing, or is it a sensory issue?
@@ThimbleAndPlume I have tried hand made silver thimbles, plastic thimbles, silicone based thimbles with a metal tip, Taylor’s thimbles, almost every type of thimble I could find when I thought about looking throughout the years but none at a size one or two, which I haven’t been able to find. Even a couple of child’s thimbles, they tend to be too short. Most adult thimbles are too wide, and/or not long enough. It seems that the smallest adult size I have been able to find equates to a size 3. I have long thin hands, with no sensory problems. I feel every stick as I sew. I love hand sewing, embroidery and cross stitch, it puts me in a zen place. But every time I start to use a thimble even one that I have tried to squish to my size, it comes off my hand in no time. I like the tailors thimble style the best, I like the hand made silver thimble with the open top(for the nail) that I have but neither have been able to stay on, it is just a bit too large and won’t squish enough to stay on. I am trying to figure out how to make it smaller. I have also tried those patches that you stick on your finger, not my favorite, but use them when my fingers get too tender.
That was really helpful. Thank you! Looking forward to trying your hand sewing thread.
Finally!!! I needed this video!! Need a thimble but didn't know how it should fit or how to measure for size. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Lots of good tips. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Maybe you weren't listening, but it looks like about half of them don't have tips at all.
Thimbles are really a game changer. I taught myself to use it after stabbing the blunt end through my finger one too many times. Thanks for the tip about rubber tips. I’ve been keeping a new rubber glove in with my sewing stuff for those times when the needle just doesn’t want to go through. Similar idea just way more bulky.
I feel your pain!
great information, thanks, I watched my mother and grandmothers use thimbles and never got the hang of using one now I think I'll try using a thimble
Wow! Thank you! ❤
This is such a useful video. Thank you. I've tried for YEARS to get used to using a thimble. As I still don't wear one that tells you how successful I was. I will have to see if I can find a tailor's thimble as that looks like the most useful one to use.
Glad it was helpful! Feel free to hit me up with any additional questions you might have!
I used to have a lovely silver thimble that was my favorite. Unfortunately I ended up poking holes into the top as I was sewing! Otherwise I love a vintage brass thimble.
Oh no! That is unfortunate.
(Yay!) Apparently I need to get a new kitten to help me learn to use a thimble. :)
(Actually, lots of great advice here. I have bought about 6 thimbles in the last 6 months trying to find one that I can use, but I hadn't considered open top thimbles.)
Yup. Kittens help everything! LOL. Glad it was helpful! Definitely try out an open top. And like I said, fit is so important, and then getting used to it is key!
I'm just a beginner--but the best advice I can give is: start using a thimble, before you can sew. You're already an awkward sewer, because you're learning the stitches.
Before doing any major hand-sewing I purchased a thimble. It didn't fit very well, but I only ever sew with a thimble. Recently my local tailor, who also sells sewing supplies helped me to find a thimble that fit, which has made an enormous difference.
That is excellent advice! I tell my students that all the time. And I am so glad you found a well fit thimble! ❤️
@@ThimbleAndPlume Thank you, it's been indispensable while felling seams for a medieval kirtle.
For very beginners, it may be helpful to wear a leather thimble on the other hand's thumb, so not to poke it with the tip of the needle while holding the cloth. This is something that won't be needed after a bit of practice. But, drawing blood might get a very beginner to just quit before they can begin to learn.
great tip!
I can type while wearing my thimble! But I am a 3 finger gripper and putting a thimble on my middle finger guarantees that my sewing will go completely wonky, so I wear it on my ring finger. I guess that makes me a bit of a thimble heretic, but I still never sew without it!
Same! I was looking for this comment, I taught myself before RUclips existed and now I can’t go back. Glad I’m not the only “thimble heretic”
the biggest problem I have with a thimble is that the dimples in mass-market cheapies are too shallow--the end of the needles just slides across the surface. I must have 6 different unusable thimbles.
I learned embroidery from my mother, young enough that a random commercial thimble might actually have fit, but I'm guessing they never fit her either, because they definitely don't fit me as an adult. Even now I've actually having learned how to use one from a foray into leather, if it's too small it just comes off after a few stitches. So, yeah, I should probably go custom, really gives you a boost in that speedrunning!
... You're meant to do WHAT with a hammer?!
I know...scary to take a hammer to it, but it really does work. Its a very light tapping though!
I have multiple thi.bles each on depends on the material, the type of sewing, how long the task will take and of course my mood.
I don't often fool with a thimble since I am not pushing through super thick fabric. Maybe occasionally. What I need something for is on my left hand when I flat fell and do the overcast stitch my left hand index finger is often poked as I sew thru. Should I wear a thimble on my left hand index finger? I don't personally like to as I can't feel the fabric as well. But as you said a hurt finger slows production and no one wants blood on their material. Thanks!
Hrmmm...well I don't know that a thimble would be the best option for your left index finger because you do want to be able to feel the fabric like you said. Also, certain stitches, like padstitching require you to feel the needle with your finger. If you tend to poke that finger a lot, maybe stick a round piece of moleskin? or maybe a leather strip around the finger?
@@ThimbleAndPlume Thanks very much!
Does anyone have an tips for thread breaking when using a thimble? The thread gets trapped between my needle and thimble and wears away until it snaps 😕
6:10 It's NER-um-berg, not NERN-berg.
Thank you for your concern. However, I was using the German pronunciation.
It’s as thimble as that