tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post1312302610145873614..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: To Thimble or Not to Thimble?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-32205846832184264522013-03-02T16:00:42.806-05:002013-03-02T16:00:42.806-05:00This page came up during a search for a tailors...This page came up during a search for a tailors' thimble. I was taught how to use one about 70 years ago and find it hard to sew without one. Over the years, I've seen people use the top to push the needle and that seems awkward and requires repositioning the hand. I use the open ended thimble. The fingers curl as a group with the needle held with the index finger and thumb. The thimble is on the middle finger *right next to the index finger*. The stitch is taken and those two fingers work together to push on the back of the needle to complete the stitch. DIkinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31241429028909240032010-02-11T04:22:10.455-05:002010-02-11T04:22:10.455-05:00I use a thimble most of the time I'm sewing.I ...I use a thimble most of the time I'm sewing.I didn't in the past, and I remember finding them clumsy. <br /><br />Then I started using one (I think I was doing a lot of handsewing and peircing my fingertip with the back of the needle far more than I liked as I was using a particularly fine needle)and never looked back. I will even use a badly fitting thimble in preference to none. <br /><br />I have a few (I don't know where they all came from) and some are better than others. If it fits well, I forget its there and walk off to answer the phone with it still on....Zoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14078140686611481322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28953063697714673972010-01-20T17:21:36.195-05:002010-01-20T17:21:36.195-05:00I haven't got nothing in common with sewing us...I haven't got nothing in common with sewing using a thimble, but thimbles could be also very interesting object of collecting and admiration (especially those made of porcelain). Check out my page. Greetings from Poland. /mythimblecollection.blogspot.comAgnieszkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13325575763931609757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29827810593961863932009-12-28T16:07:12.647-05:002009-12-28T16:07:12.647-05:00I could never manage a metal thimble; they wobbled...I could never manage a metal thimble; they wobbled around and fell off. But leather? That works for me. It softens and moulds around the finger with the heat of the skin. It has a little metal disc at the very tip sewn between two layers of leather and a split at the top for the fingernail. Perfect. Incidentally, this wasn't stocked in the sewing notions of my local store; it is stocked with the quilting notions and I found it when I completed the hand-quilting on a queen-sized quilt. Let's just say I went through TWO thimbles with that project. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-40029477403784468022009-12-03T15:05:59.161-05:002009-12-03T15:05:59.161-05:00I cannot pick up a threaded needle without having ...I cannot pick up a threaded needle without having a thimble on. I use an open-ended, tailor's thimble, and I am sorry that many folks can't abide them. <br /><br />I used to sew for a living, and for fun, and let met tell ya, a thimble is one of the first tools to have.FUZZARELLYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12340378858926874634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75508496075334861952009-12-01T21:55:17.579-05:002009-12-01T21:55:17.579-05:00I have used them at times when I needed to stitch ...I have used them at times when I needed to stitch through thick items. (I sometimes find the need for them when repairing stuffed animals!!) I do not like using them as I also find them to be unwieldy. My grandmother used one all the time. I don't even think she realized she had one on her finger as she worked!Kathihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11152942097072530468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-22595849213883011912009-12-01T02:26:40.233-05:002009-12-01T02:26:40.233-05:00I always use a thimble. Basically I don't like...I always use a thimble. Basically I don't like getting blood on my sewing or needlework projects. And I will eventually stab myself without a thimble.<br /><br />I do a lot of embroidery and smocking and it's just much faster with a thimble. When I took a tailoring class at FIT, we were required to use an open-ended tailor's thimble for all the padstitching. If you are using real haircloth canvas for the lapels and especially the French canvas in the collar, it's necessary.<br /><br />I have a small colleciton of thimbles, but my favourite is a lovely silver one.Pamela Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54494063860366072632009-11-30T17:23:59.395-05:002009-11-30T17:23:59.395-05:00I used to be whole-heartedly anti-thimble and then...I used to be whole-heartedly anti-thimble and then got a job in a more formal tailor shop than I was used to. I was apprenticing with the master tailor who had learned everything the old fashioned way in Greece. He not only insisted that I learn to use a thimble, but that I WOULD use it and learn the same way he did. He gave me an open ended "tailor's thimble", threaded a ribbon through it, placed it on my finger and tied it all into the right position. I even had to eat lunch that way! I wish I could show you a picture of how awkward that was, but I learned! And now I ALWAYS use a thimbleCisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235120233640110968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-83094608486788080102009-11-30T10:47:56.045-05:002009-11-30T10:47:56.045-05:00I sometimes use a thimble, when working with thick...I sometimes use a thimble, when working with thick fabric. What I've found that really helps me, is I squished the metal together so the thimble fits snug on my finger. It doesn't look as pretty, but it works much better!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742733376287342144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89058809495719063452009-11-30T10:47:12.456-05:002009-11-30T10:47:12.456-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12742733376287342144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47503349696157699132009-11-29T21:20:57.687-05:002009-11-29T21:20:57.687-05:00I own about 3 thimbles (one plastic and 2 metal). ...I own about 3 thimbles (one plastic and 2 metal). I've never used the plastic one, but I have used the metal ones when I need to push a needle through tough fabric. I don't do a lot of handsewing (since I prefer to sew by machine), but when I do have those difficult pieces a thimble keeps me from injuring myself worse than usual.H. D. Childreenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1194077508935464992009-11-29T12:46:26.103-05:002009-11-29T12:46:26.103-05:00I haven't yet found a thimble that fits, but i...I haven't yet found a thimble that fits, but in the mean time I've got a step in between: stick-on thimble pads. My mom found them with quilting supplies somewhere. I have pierced them more than once trying to push through something tough, but for everyday save-your-skin type work, they are great. You still have some sensation, they don't slip, don't cause your skin to sweat, and work well both on the "push" finger and the "find the needle on the other side" finger ;).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-46189022108207318552009-11-29T03:08:15.573-05:002009-11-29T03:08:15.573-05:00i had never used a thimble either, as i found them...i had never used a thimble either, as i found them too large and clumsy, untill i came across this article http://www.englishcut.com/archives/000143.html<br />which spells out the need for and the correct way to use a thimble. i dont use them for sewing fine fabrics, but for buttons and anything midweight or heavier they are now a neccessity. <br />missalexAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34593340914166068122009-11-29T02:41:57.204-05:002009-11-29T02:41:57.204-05:00I can't work with thimbles. I have a smaller ...I can't work with thimbles. I have a smaller version of my dad's hands. They're wide. So are my fingers. And putting on a thimble hurts because my fingers don't fit in them. <br /><br />However... Occasionally, I use them anyway when I'm sewing through many layers of fabric by hand. I don't like it when my fingers start to look like pincushions!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-779607580346498032009-11-28T23:46:14.700-05:002009-11-28T23:46:14.700-05:00I have not yet been able to work with a thimble. ...I have not yet been able to work with a thimble. They make me clumbsy and unable to do other important sewing moves with the finger that is thimbled. However reading here I think I have been using the thimble on the wrong finger. I have put it on my second finger. I will try putting it on the third. I love the beauty of thimbles and I believe in the need for them, now if I can learn to use one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-32817392753543115232009-11-28T14:56:59.369-05:002009-11-28T14:56:59.369-05:00As a hand-quilter, thimbles are a necessity for me...As a hand-quilter, thimbles are a necessity for me. I embroidered for years without using one...like you, I found them unwieldy and uncomfortable. <br /><br />Really, what I found, though, is that it takes practice and the right thimble. Personally, I hate the leather thimbles. I inevitably end up poking through them. The leather/metal coin combos don't work for me, either--the needle always manages to slide between the leather and metal. I'm a fan of the old-fashioned metal thimble. BUT, I'm super particular about which one. I've got a dozen metal thimbles, all seemingly the same, but only one fits right. It's cheap and turns my finger green, but I don't care :)<br /><br />Also, as a side note, I find those little rubber fingers that you use for sorting papers (<a href="http://www.officemax.com/catalog/sku.jsp?skuId=20792242&cm_mmc=GBase-_-Office%20Supplies-_-Mailroom%20Equipment-_-Sorting%20Aids%20and%20Moisteners&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=20792242" rel="nofollow">these things</a>) to be quite helpful when worn on the index finger. It gives you the little extra grip to really grab on to the needles an pull. (So you don't have to resort to using your teeth...which is why I have a small chip in my front tooth.)Amanda #1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00251762220348262012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89772015489372294632009-11-28T13:31:51.165-05:002009-11-28T13:31:51.165-05:00As long as I did light embroidery, I'd wear a ...As long as I did light embroidery, I'd wear a thimble, but never used it really. I became an addict when I started quilting, and also doing more serious embroidery. Now I can't take a needle without puttin a thimble on my finger. But at the beginning, I felt very much like you do now. <br />And this thimble you have is beautiful, really. If you finally don't use it, make a giveway with it, maybe I could win it :-)verobirdiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12968111905760607177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44336852655308562142009-11-28T01:05:31.612-05:002009-11-28T01:05:31.612-05:00I'd prefer a leather thimble to the traditiona...I'd prefer a leather thimble to the traditional thimble.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-20230255836731184942009-11-28T00:21:09.668-05:002009-11-28T00:21:09.668-05:00I'll use a leather thimble (just a sheath made...I'll use a leather thimble (just a sheath made of scrap buckskin) for quilting or particularly tough hand-sewing, as it's thin enough not to interfere with dexterity. I never liked metal ones.Alexandra V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13865207283487979900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-81927075411470100282009-11-27T21:34:08.773-05:002009-11-27T21:34:08.773-05:00Oh how I wish I knew how to use a thimble. My fing...Oh how I wish I knew how to use a thimble. My fingers ache for days after a long stretch of handsewing as I have never mastered the art. They either fall off of my fingers or feel very awkward. I read through all of these comments and am going to try some of these tips myself. My fingertips will thank me I'm sure!Sharon Sewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09987831277077411438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53714348096727919032009-11-27T20:36:59.039-05:002009-11-27T20:36:59.039-05:00I have nails so thimbles are outI have nails so thimbles are outBootzeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01664655090937726673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85415732260962726272009-11-27T19:34:21.762-05:002009-11-27T19:34:21.762-05:00Thimbles blow. I love your blog, by the way.Thimbles blow. I love your blog, by the way.Joanie Coyotehttp://theyearoflivingfabulously.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80239990779185456622009-11-27T19:29:09.839-05:002009-11-27T19:29:09.839-05:00hi, yes i have to admit I have tried them and I do...hi, yes i have to admit I have tried them and I do own a few, but find them rather cumbersome. Funnily enough I find that the finger wearing the thing tends to stick up out of the wayand defeats the purpose. I have tried the Japanese one and its kind of better but i'd rather not use one!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71953079311239059612009-11-27T18:40:41.662-05:002009-11-27T18:40:41.662-05:00@ramona - Pad stitches are used to secure the canv...@ramona - Pad stitches are used to secure the canvas to the underfabric, and more importantly, to keep the canvas in the right shape. Collars and lapels on coats, jackets and coatees are made up of several layers of fabric, and are rolled. By cutting the layers of fabric different lengths, and pad stitching them together, the collar and lapel can maintain the rolled shape. <br /><br />I'm in the thimble camp, though I don't do enough hand sewing to bother with one most of the time. third finger, no doubts.davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07372217173540212251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74791977691577984112009-11-27T17:38:43.208-05:002009-11-27T17:38:43.208-05:00i've tried using a thimble too, but most of th...i've tried using a thimble too, but most of the time i end up just pushing the needle through the fabric with whatever finger doesn't have the thimble on it. Very occasionally when i'm sewing something really stiff i'll use it, but otherwise if my finger(s) are getting sore i sometimes use some <a href="http://www.trainingonline.net.au/catalog%20/product_info.php?products_id=490" rel="nofollow">leukoplast tape</a> over the end of my finger to give a bit of protection like the thimble would but not be all weird and unwieldy like you said.<br /><br />I can't wait to see the coat!Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03205271379351276007noreply@blogger.com