Ever since people began sewing clothes, they’ve needed sewing tools, including thimbles. Over time thimbles have gone from being simple tools to being both functional and decorative.
While thimbles are not often used today, they are still widely collected. Their small size makes thimbles easy to transport and store and because they are tiny, a huge collection of thimbles can be displayed in a fairly small space. Display cases partitioned into small compartments to show off a thimble collection can be purchased at hobby stores or online.
Thimbles have been around for thousands of years. Because it was difficult to push a hard needle through fabric without help, the tiny bell-shaped objects were created to protect the tender tips of the fingers while sewing. Early thimbles were made from ivory, bone, flint, horn, leather and wood, while later thimbles were made from bronze, copper and brass. As needlework became a popular pastime amongst the wealthy, thimbles were designed to be attractive as well as functional. Well-to-do ladies sometimes used gold or silver thimbles and jewels and ornate designs often adorned the thimbles.
Many modern thimbles were never intended to be used and are created specifically for collectors. Tourist attractions often sell thimbles as souvenirs. Gift shops carry thimbles bearing cute slogans and words of wisdom. Some have figures like frogs or crosses on top, while others boast cloisonné flowers. In addition to traditional materials, these decorative items are made from materials like porcelain, crystal and pewter.
Thimble collectors can focus on a certain type of thimble, like antique brass thimbles or porcelain thimbles by well-known companies like Wedgwood. A collection might include other sewing tools like thimble holders, pincushions and needlecases. A collector could focus on thimbles decorated with delicate flowers and animals, or she might prefer modern thimbles showing the places she’s been.
