Thimble

A small, usually metal or plastic, cap worn on the finger to protect it when pushing a needle through fabric during sewing. It's a crucial tool for hand sewing, allowing the user to apply pressure without puncturing their finger. Thimbles often have a slightly indented or dimpled surface to provide better grip for the needle's eye. They come in various sizes and materials, ranging from simple metal versions to ornate, often collectible, designs. Historically, thimbles have also served as decorative objects and symbols of domesticity.

Thimble meaning with examples

• Mary carefully selected a steel thimble from her sewing kit, ensuring a snug fit on her middle finger before beginning to stitch the intricate embroidery design. Without a thimble, her needle work would prove almost impossible. She pressed her finger against the material and pushed it using the thimble, careful not to prick her finger.
• The antique thimble, passed down through generations, gleamed under the lamp, a reminder of her grandmother's skilled handiwork. The thimble allowed the stitches to be even and neat while also acting as a finger protector and a tool used to press the needle. The thimble was an important piece of equipment in the older women's sewing kits.
• During the quilting project, Sarah realized her thimble was too small, causing discomfort and hindering her progress. The needle would slip and hurt her finger, preventing her from pushing it through the thick fabric. The thimble was important for the project, so she immediately switched it out with a larger thimble she found in her drawer.
• The artisan meticulously hammered a tiny dent in the brass thimble, improving its grip for delicate needlework. She worked with the brass thimble as it created a better grip with her needle, preventing slippage and ensuring the intricate details of the piece would be preserved.
• After the first stitching of the wedding dress, the seamstress noticed the thimble was becoming worn and almost useless and she immediately decided to switch out the thimble, which allowed the completion of the gown. The thimble was a crucial component of the dress design, without a thimble, it would be difficult to stitch the dress and complete the wedding dress by the deadline.