jeanturner.co.uk
Lace Making · Beadwork · Art & ACEO · Flies · Pen Making · Stick Making · Woodcraft & Turning · Leatherwork & Falconry · Knives & Bushcrafting ·
Thimble Sizing Tutorial and...
other Good Thimble-Related Advice
How your new thimble fits and feels is up to you -
I cannot see your fingers and recommend one for you.
How to measure your finger for a thimble from my store.
This is a 3 step process. If you do not complete all three steps
you will get it wrong and (as my Mom says...) 'you will cry'.
To try and help it work first time please measure carefully and accurately. If you find your thimble does not fit well when it arrives, you can either send it back (in as new condition) for a refund (excluding postage), or return it to me with enough postage to send you another and you can try again. If you do not send enough return postage, your initial payment (less postage) will automatically be refunded to you. COD returns will not be accepted.
Long fingernails: My thimbles are all more or less the same depth on the inside. This fits the average length finger tip. If you wear longer than average fingernails, you may benefit from buying a Japanese style thimble rather than a wooden one. Sometimes I make them a little deeper than usual. When I do - it will be stated in the listing details for the individual item.
Step One: First find your 'shape':
Look at the image on the right and then compare the three shapes to the tip of your thimble finger.
Is your finger tip
shaped like an 'A', 'Rounded', or 'Bulbous' at the end.
This shape determines the inside shape of the thimble you will find most comfortable. This is the SHAPE you will look for in the shop listings.
Step Two: Now measure your 'finger circumference': Using a piece of thread or thin wool or a thin strip of paper, wrap it gently but snugly (not tight, and not loose) around your thimble fingertip just below the knuckle. Note where the end meets against the main section of the thread/paper. Carefully lay the thread down alongside a metric (mm) ruler and measure off the length. Record the length, and repeat the process 2 more times. Average out the 3 measurements (x + y + z divided by 3). The answer you get is your finger circumference.
- Step Three: Now look up your 'Thimble Size': Look up on the table below to find the diameter for the thimble you require by reading down until you find your finger circumference. This is the SIZE you will look for in the shop listings.
NOTE: If you follow these procedures (all three steps) when selecting a thimble from my store, you should not go wrong.
Tip: Do not select a thimble that is the wrong size or shape because you like a different wood better unless you want it to stand on your shelf and look pretty.
Thimble Advice...
The brass pusher thimbles are suitable when lace making with all types of pins and pillows. The brass insert is used to push the pins into the pillow. Some lace makers do not prick their patterns first, instead relying on the brass pin and thimble insert to do the job. This will work, but it does dull the pins, rolling over the tips and creating small hooks on the ends. When they are removed later, the hooks formed can catch on your lace and damage it.
The brass pusher thimbles will work for millinery.
Plain wood thimbles are useful for sewing, but will not last as long as a metal (or brass tipped) thimble. Depending on the wood they could last longer than plastic, but there is no guarantee.