A thimble is a small metal cap worn on the finger that protects it from being pricked by a needle when hand sewing, doing embroidery, or beading. Thimbles are usually made from metal, leather, rubber, wood, and even glass or china. They have a pitted cap with lots of little indents so that the end of the needle wont slip when you push it through, thus protecting your finger. Thimbles are an essential sewing tool for protecting your fingers from needle pricks.

Here are some reasons to use a thimble when hand sewing:

• Protects your fingers from needle pricks
• Allows you to employ a third finger in sewing, giving you more control, precision, and accuracy
• Saves you from getting finger cramps
• Allows you to use more of your hand while hand sewing, giving you exponentially greater control, precision, and speed

Thimbles can be purchased from your local haberdashery store or online from Amazon. There are usually very cheap, but you may need to test a few to get one that fits perfectly and is comfortable for prolonged sewing.