by hightechgrammy 11 May 2014

Do you use a thimble? What kind do you use and what finger do you use it on? I want to include a thimble in the little sewing kids I'm making for friends, what kind and size should I include?

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by blueeyedblonde 14 May 2014

I have several thimbles - some handed down. I rarely use one, but there are times I dig one out when doing hand sewing (as long as I think of it - lol). Most of the time I use it on my middle finger.

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by mops Moderator 14 May 2014

As za young child I was told always to use a thimble, so I have some in very small sizes, but I can't say I used them regularly. Until I started making hats. I scalded my hands steaming felts and straws, and could not sew without a thimble, or rather a tailor's ring (on my middle finger) and now I always use one.
For quilting I use a thimble, the ring would be useless when doing that rocking movement. I still don't know whether to use my index or my middle finger though.

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by anssmile 14 May 2014

I tried to use a thimble, but every time I used a thimble, I managed to stick another finger with the needle... If I don't use a thimble, the needle and thread go where they should, and not into my fingers!

So if you want to include a thimble, make sure it is pretty in case they don't use thimbles.

Now, a little sewing kit - that is a very nice and practical gift to give someone! Great idea.

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by shozo1271 14 May 2014

Now, don't laugh... the few times I have tried to use a thimble, I found myself using a different finger that didn't have the thimble in the way. lol. I would say if you are going to give a thimble in the kits, to give a pretty one, in case they don't use it. A few collector thimbles are good to have!

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by airyfairy 14 May 2014

Like Sue, I have never managed to use one, although I have quite a large collection. Both my mother and grand mother would not have even sewn on a button without their thimbles.

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by asterixsew Moderator 13 May 2014

I don't wear a thimble. I do have a very old thimble somewhere, just not sure where the somewhere is. If I remember correctly its 200-300 years old, so thimbles have been used for a long time

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by sewmom 13 May 2014

I use one like the one on the left of dragonflyer's photo but my end is rounded. I wear it on me right middle finger.

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by dragonflyer 12 May 2014

When I use a thimble, it is on my middle finger as well...I have quite a collection, but the ones I always seem to reach for are kind of a skin color, made of plastic and have a window kind of opening on the top side...they are very inexpensive and come in one size...the little window opening adjusts to your finger size so it is always the right size...it is the second from the right...I have several..

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Patricia109 by Patricia109 14 May 2014

I like to use the one on the left. It is a quilters thimble, but I don't quilt. I just find that the needle sits better on a thimble with a lip. & I use it on my middle finger and sometimes I use another finger to push the needle through the fabric until it hurts me, THEN I remember why I have a thimble. :-)

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by kylasm 12 May 2014

I agree with most of the others, middle finger and a metal thimble. I use different sizes depending on what fits comfortably over the length of my fingernail. I have several plastic thimbles that were giveaways at a Fair or other event but I've put holes in them so my nephew sneaks them to cut his Playdoh but they have no other use for me. I have a ceramic one I received as a gift but it's too small and uncomfortable to use.

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by Leaha 11 May 2014

As the others have said it's usually on the middle finger, size depends entirely on the persons hand and the job they are doing. I use one when ever I hand embroidery and it's a metal one. There are different ones for quilting and other countries have some very interesting ones. I have a rather large variety of them. :)

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by bevintex 11 May 2014

I have one of the leather ones but never use it, I don't do much hand sewing. It does seem comfortable

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by sewilso 11 May 2014

I rarely use one too, they do come in handy though when I'm sewing something hard for a needle to penetrate. The middle finger is typically where I would wear it.

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by spendlove Moderator 11 May 2014

My mother always used one and tried to persuade me to but I could never get the hang of it.

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by AuntAnnie 11 May 2014

I seldom use a thimble; but when I do, it's on my middle finger. Include a size that fits you. If the recipient likes using a thimble, they can later choose one that fits best.

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by jrob Moderator 11 May 2014

The only time I use a thimble is when I quilt and I use it on my middle finger.

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by kingmar 11 May 2014

I like my adjustable leather/knit one...now if I could only find it. I also like the newer silicon ones when ironing.

1 comment
hightechgrammy by hightechgrammy 11 May 2014

OHhhh I hadn't thought of that!

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