Leather Thimbles
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Article Summary: Leather thimbles are more for functional use than
display as some hard thimbles are, and variations such as textured metal
heads and vents can make them both comfortable and useful. They are also
more easily fit to the individual using them. |
Quilting Thimbles
The function of a thimble, or at least a thimble
intended for everyday use rather than collection or display, is to
protect the fingers when pushing needles through cloth. In tasks such as
needlepoint and quilting this tasks is very repetitive and can also be
very painful if the only the unprotected fingertip is used. Although the
most immediately recognizable types of thimbles are the commonly-seen
hard versions made of glass or ceramics or metal in a cone shape, there
are also flexible leather thimbles available for purchase.
Leather thimbles are generally
advertised for quilters, and in their most basic form they are simply
two pieces of leather stitched together in a pocket to cover the finger.
Although they may not be as sturdy as a solid thimble and have to be
replaced more often as the needle heads begin to wear away the material,
they are somewhat more comfortable and more easily fit to each
individual person. For quilters who like to feel the needle coming
through, they also allow that option without actually allowing the
finger to be pricked.
The most basic form of the leather
thimble is by no means the only one available in this day and age.
Variations include a dimpled head or even a circle of textured metal
over the pad of the finger so that, while the thimble itself retains
easy flexibility and ease of fitting, there is a hard surface with which
to push on the needle that will not wear away so easily. The length of
leather thimbles also varies, generally covering between the first
knuckle and the entire finger. Some offer vents to allow air to reach
the skin, and others even have holes to let fingernails poke out.
Leather thimbles may not be as ‘pretty’
as the hard glass, ceramic, and metal thimbles that are set out on
display, but they are just as functional and may be more comfortable for
everyday sewing tasks. They are also slightly less costly which may be
an incentive for those who just wish to sew.