Thimble facts for kids

A thimble

A thimble is a small, strong cap that people wear on their finger. It helps protect your finger when you are sewing. It also helps you push the needle through fabric easily. Thimbles are usually made of metal, but they can also be made from other materials like leather, rubber, or plastic.

What is a Thimble For?

When you sew, you use a needle to push thread through fabric. This can be hard work, especially with thick materials. A thimble acts like a shield for your finger. It stops the sharp end of the needle from poking you. It also gives you a firm surface to push against the needle's blunt end. This makes sewing much easier and safer.

How to Use a Thimble

Most people wear a thimble on the middle finger of their sewing hand. This is because the middle finger often pushes the needle. Some people prefer to wear it on their index finger or ring finger. The thimble should fit snugly but not too tightly. It needs to stay on your finger while you work.

Different Kinds of Thimbles

Thimbles come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Each type is designed for different sewing needs.

Metal Thimbles

Metal thimbles are the most common. They are usually made from brass, silver, or steel. They have small dents or dimples on the outside. These dimples help the needle's eye grip the thimble, so it doesn't slip when you push. Metal thimbles are very durable and offer great protection.

Soft Thimbles

Some thimbles are made from softer materials like leather or rubber. These are often called "thimblettes" or "finger guards." They are more flexible and might be used for lighter sewing tasks or for turning pages. They offer less protection than metal thimbles but can be more comfortable for some people.

Open-Top Thimbles

Not all thimbles cover the entire fingertip. Some have an open top. These are often used by quilters or tailors. An open-top thimble lets the very tip of your finger feel the fabric and needle. This can give you more control while still protecting the rest of your finger.

A Journey Through Time: Thimble History

Thimbles have been used for thousands of years. People have always needed ways to protect their fingers while working with needles.

Ancient Thimbles

The earliest thimbles were found in ancient Egypt and Rome. They were often made from bronze or bone. These early thimbles show that people have been sewing and needing finger protection for a very long time.

Thimbles in Europe

In Europe, thimbles became more common in the Middle Ages. They were often made by skilled craftsmen. By the 17th century, thimble making was a big industry in places like England and Germany. Thimbles were not just tools; they were sometimes beautiful objects. Some were made of silver or gold and decorated with fancy designs.

Thimbles as Collectibles

Over time, thimbles became popular items to collect. People would collect thimbles from different places or made from different materials. Some thimbles were made as souvenirs from famous places or events.

Thimbles Today

Even with modern sewing machines, thimbles are still very useful. Many people who sew by hand, quilt, or do embroidery still use a thimble every day. They are a simple tool that has helped people create beautiful things for centuries.

Images for kids

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  Lofting type brass thimble

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  Meissen 'keepsake' thimble. 18th century

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  Turning pages using a thimblette.

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  16th-17th century English copper sewing ring

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  17th century English silver

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  17th century Jacobean brass

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  17th century Jacobean silver

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  18th century French gold

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  18th century silver filigree with scent bottle

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  19th century Dutch fingerguard

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  19th century English Tunbridge (wood)

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  19th century French mother of pearl – Palais Royal

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  20th century English souvenir - Abbotsford House

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  20th century Norwegian enamel (basse-taille) – David Anderson

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  Pre-revolution Russian silver gilt filigree

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  Pre-revolution Russian gold

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  20th century Royal Worcester – William Powell painter

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  20th century Swedish gold

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  20th century French silver – F Vernon 'Sewing girls'

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  20th century Norwegian enamel (guilloché)

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  A very early hand dimpled soldered cylinder thimble.

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  Cast 14th century thimble.

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  Deep drawn Nürnberg thimble. 16th century.

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  Silver thimble commemorating the Great Exhibition

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  Dorcas thimble

See also

In Spanish: Dedal para niños