biker55 Report post Posted February 22, 2018 Hello, I do all my stitching by hand. occasionally, the needle needs a little persuasion. is there such a thing as a thumb thimble out there? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bermudahwin Report post Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) Oddly the word thimble was originlly a thumb cover. From Merriam Webster - Old English thȳmel covering for the thumb 15th Century We always used to stitch a piece of leather into a tube, for the thumb and for each little finger (in the joint) so that when you pulled the thread through in double hand stitching it did not cut you, I still have one somewhere for the left pinkie, as it sometimes cuts open. I know you can get large open ended metal thimbles from haberdashers. called quilters thimbles (I think) Hope you find one Harry Edited February 22, 2018 by hwinbermuda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TacticallySharp Report post Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) I first use a large metal thumb guard from a fabric store. Then found a leather craft palm guard which i use today. I have both a left, and a right hand one hanging on my tool rack with in easy reach. Most leather suppliers carry them. For finger protion when pull thread I used small gator front leg skins, until my friend that hunted them past away. Now days I use rhino skins manufactured by the owner of Rhino Knifes in San Monica, CA. ***Edit: He makes them for knife makers to wear while grinding, since I'm also a bladesmith I have several pairs of these in both shops.*** These work very well for me. Edited February 22, 2018 by TacticallySharp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt S Report post Posted February 22, 2018 You can make a loop of leather to fit your thumb without very much trouble. Or try an Inuit thimble: http://www.primitiveways.com/pt-thimble.html I just push the needle with the handle of the awl of it needs a bit more persuasion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Webicons Report post Posted February 22, 2018 Did someone say Thumble.... How about making one like Daisukenshin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biker55 Report post Posted February 22, 2018 Thanks for all the suggestions, I guess I can make one. Webicons, that is one amusing, and smart suggestion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites