How To Use A Thimble - Sewing & Selection Guide
- WAWAK
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Though it's one of the most iconic and recognizable sewing notions, it might not be obvious how to use a thimble if you're new to sewing with one. In this post, we'll walk you through what a thimble is used for and how it can protect your fingers and speed up your stitching. Plus, learn how to choose the perfect thimble for your sewing projects. Don’t forget to check out our "How To Use A Thimble" infographic at the bottom of this post for a quick reference, and browse our selection of thimbles and other quality sewing notions at WAWAK.
HOW TO USE A THIMBLE
What Are Thimbles?
A thimble is essentially a finger guard for hand sewing. Thimbles come in many forms, but you're probably at least somewhat familiar with one of the more traditional ones—a small brass cap with a dimpled exterior. Worn on one finger while hand sewing, this simple notion is designed to protect the wearer's finger and allow for more efficient stitching.
What Is a Thimble Used For?
You could probably guess that a thimble is used to protect the finger just by looking at it. But what you might not know is that it can help you sew more quickly, too. In hand sewing, a thimble is worn to protect the finger from the pressure of pushing the needle through the fabric.
So how do you use a thimble? Typically, the thimble is worn on the middle finger, while the needle is held between the thumb and index fingers. This allows the sewer to precisely maneuver the needle with the index finger and thumb while bracing the needle's blunt end against the middle finger, protected by a thimble (pictured below). The thimble's textured exterior adds traction to prevent the needle from slipping while braced against it. This method allows the sewer to stitch quickly, as all of the work can be done on the surface side of the fabric—and using a thimble ensures it can be done safely and comfortably.
How To Use A Sewing Thimble
Place the thimble on the middle finger of your dominant hand and hold your hand in a loose fist. It is important to stay relaxed in this position. Practice rotating your hand, forearm and elbow in clockwise and counter-clockwise movements without moving your finger position. DO NOT bend your wrist up and down, as this can cause repeated-use injuries such as tendinitis.
Hold the middle of the needle between your thumb and forefinger and press the eye of the needle against the thimble.
Use the rotational movement you practiced, keep your hand relaxed and push the needle through the fabric and up again in one stroke. The eye of the needle should remain braced against the thimble.
When learning to use a thimble, it's important to remember that practice really does make perfect. Sewing with a thimble might feel a bit awkward at first; keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it in no time! Print or download our free illustrated guide at the bottom of this post to save these instructions for your reference.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THIMBLE
If you're sewing by hand, you and your thimble are probably going to spend a lot of time together! That's why it's important to choose one that's comfortable for you. Thimbles are available in various sizes, materials and styles to suit different sewists' needs and personal preferences. Let's go over a few things to look out for when shopping around for a new thimble:
Thimble Sizing
Thimbles come in various sizes, and choosing the right one is key to a comfortable, functional fit. Your thimble should be secure but not so tight as to cut off circulation. If you are not sure what size you need, you can determine your thimble size using the following method:
Cut a narrow strip of paper and wrap it around the base of your fingernail.
Mark the paper where the two ends meet and measure the length of the paper in millimeters. This size is the circumference of your finger.
Use our online Size Chart to determine which thimble size you need.
For more details on thimble sizing, see our previous blog post, "How To Choose The Right Size Thimble."
Thimble Materials
Thimbles are also available in various materials, including metal, leather, plastic or rubber. Ultimately, the best thimble is the one that you can most comfortably sew with, so choose whichever style is most comfortable for you. Generally, metal thimbles are a good option for heavier materials, as they are the most durable option. Leather thimbles are also quite sturdy, and mold to the shape of your finger over time for a more custom fit. Plastic and rubber thimbles are more lightweight, a great choice for lighter fabrics or those looking for a less bulky option.
Open Top Vs Closed Top Thimbles
In addition to different materials and sizes, you'll see two main styles of thimbles: closed and open. Closed thimbles cover the whole fingertip, whereas open thimbles (sometimes called tailor's thimbles) feature an opening in the top that leaves the fingertip exposed. Some sewers prefer closed-top thimbles as the increased surface area allows them to use more parts of the finger to push the needle; others prefer an open-top, finding the exposed fingertip gives them more control and prevents perspiration from collecting in the thimble when sewing for long periods of time. Both are excellent options, and choosing between the two largely comes down to personal preference.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to use a sewing thimble and which style might be right for you, head to WAWAK to find your new hand sewing companion. WAWAK offers a wide selection of quality thimbles for every hand sewing style. Whether you're looking for a traditional Brass Closed-End Thimble or a Natural-Fit Leather Thimble, you're sure to find the right fit with us.
Save this handy guide for tips and visual instructions on how to use a thimble.
