If you have got an extraordinary thimble for your quilting project but you have no idea how to use a thimble for quilting, this makes no sense at all. You are going to reap the least or no benefit at all.
This is why today we will show you in detail how to accomplish the job with a few simple steps. Here we go!
How to sort out the right thimble for quilting?
Before we tell you how to use a thimble for quilting, it is our prime responsibility to tell you how to choose a thimble for quilting.
You just can’t go to the shop and pick any random one. Instead, you must conform to a number of criteria before finalizing a finger guard.
What are those? Keep following to learn in detail.
Fit
The first and foremost criterion is a good fit. No matter how durable and good looking a thimble is, if it doesn’t fit your finger, it is discard-able.
So, to test the fit of a thimble, you should at first put it on the middle finger of the hand that you use for quilting.
Have you worn it? Alright! Now, it’s time for observation:
First of all, try to feel if the thimble sits on your finger too tight or too loose.
Later on, you are advised to walk naturally keeping the hands hanging as you do normally. In addition, do something to keep your hand busy for at least 5 minutes. If the thimble is an ideal fit for you, it shouldn’t come out of the finger by this time.
Style & durability
Now, this is a criterion that is completely subjective, we mean, it’s dependent upon your taste. But, then we will leave you with very basic ideas of the best quilting thimble.
Here follow a number of qualities that your chosen thimble mustn’t lack:
Tough exterior
A tough exterior serves you in two broad ways. First of all, it prevents the frequent slipping of your needle. Besides, it makes sure that your finger surface is well-guarded against piercing.
Soft edges
It doesn’t matter what your thimble is made of – metal, leather or plastic. The edges must sufficiently be soft. Otherwise, your finger will frequently be injured.
Open sided
With exception to a leather made thimble, if your one doesn’t have an open side, your working session will gradually be suffocating. Your finger may start sweating and the thimble may often come out.
Lightweight
The shield must be lightweight enough not to give you a feel of its being fit to your finger. With such a thimble your dealing with any lengthy project becomes a breeze.
How to use a thimble for quilting?
Have you had your ideal thimble? Well, now let’s talk about the appropriate manner of its wearing.
- Do you know which finger should wear the thimble? In case you are a mere beginner, it’s the finger that you use to push the needle. So, put on the thimble on the right finger.
- As you quilt, use the combination of the finger and the thimble to push the needle through the fabric.
- While pushing, you are free to use either the side or the top of the finger.
What are the reasons for wearing a thimble while quilting?
The unavoidable criteria for which you must wear a thimble while quilting follow below in detail:
Piercing
Getting pierced by the sharp top of your quilting needle on the top or side of the finger is really painful. A thimble, being a safeguard of the finger prevents the needle from piercing.
Sweating
An open sided thimble prevents your finger from sweating while quilting. This is how your needle never slips and the working session remains smooth.
Cramps
By constantly pushing and pulling the quilting needle with your fingers, cramps are caused to them. Wearing a thimble helps the fingers fight back cramps.
Control
You will definitely be amazed to learn that a finger with thimble offers more control for quilting.
FAQs
What is a quilting thimble?
Ans. It’s a finger guard that helps your finger prevent piercing, sweating, cramping and having further control while quilting.
How do I know what size thimble to get?
Ans. It is a matter of realization that you will have after wearing the thimble and doing some random things with your hands.
What finger do I wear the thimble?
Ans. It is usually your middle finger that should wear the thimble. But, we don’t feel like it is mandatory at all. You should wear it on the finger that gives you the most comfort.
What is the best thimble?
Ans. There are a number of parameters to determine the quality of a thimble. To learn in detail, we recommend you to go up to our Style & durability section.
What size is a large thimble?
Ans. A thimble of 17mm is usually considered the king size
Final words
To sum up, using a thimble for quilting gives you all rounded advantages. Although, you can still quilt without a finger guard yet that is going to be tiresome and time consuming. Thereby, it is always better for you to keep your quilting thimble on.
