Thimble

The thimble is a mechanical protection against accidental injury of the finger while sewing.

History

For the first time Thimbles - from bone or ivory - is in the Neolithic period in the vicinity of Moscow. Even with the Etruscans on the Foxglove was in use as early as 500 BC. In the territory of today's Germany thimbles came from the Romans. In the 15th century, the mass- production began from a preform of brass by the yellow caster. Strongholds of the finger hat making at the time were Cologne and Nuremberg.

Thimbles were made in the various epochs of metal, glass or porcelain. They are collector's items today. One of the most famous collections comes from the estate of the brothers Gabler in Schorndorf. 1982 Foxglove museum was opened in Creglingen. Here thimbles and other sewing accessories of all kinds and are seen " finger guardian guild ".

The shape of the thimble was the same plant genus Digitalis (from the Latin digitus " finger " ) its name.

Shapes, sizes, carrying method

Most thimbles are small " dimples " provided, which allow non-slip support the sewing needle on the thimble. They are manufactured in different sizes, which depend on the thickness of the fingers of the working hand. Thimbles, both the shape of a cup have (see figure) as well as the shape of a tube open at both ends, then they are called " ring " or " sewing ring ." Worn they are generally on the middle finger of the working hand. In contrast to the thimble, the while working a letting go of the needle and a holding pressure with the middle finger requires, and it is necessary, then grab the needle once again, the sewing ring allows a continuous movement, because the needle is performed with the thumb and index finger while simultaneously with the middle finger on the eye pressure is applied, so that the needle slides through the fabric. Compared with the thimble allows the sewing ring is three times faster stitch sequence.

Other use of thimbles

In the music of the Skiffle Thimbles (usually worn on all fingers ) used to use percussion instruments. In particular, the washboard can be operated very effectively with thimbles by beating and rubbing.

For stringed instruments can be enhanced by the use of thimbles caused by a certain number of possible tones on the fretboard limitation of sounds. A representative of this technique is, for example, Ron " Bumblefoot " Thal.