Fabulous finger protectors Group 3
Previously on this topic:
Group 1 – https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2024/03/02/fabulous-finger-protectors-i-have-found-group-1/
Group 2 – https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2024/03/12/fabulous-finger-protectors-i-have-found-group-2/
Group 3
1. Thimble and thimble-like objects
3.1 The Thimble and thimble-like group (Leather finger cot is missing from the photo)
I was very lucky to find a bag of ceramic thimbles at a second-hand store. I added to that, a set of metal thimbles. Thimbles usually come in lots of sizes I seem to have large-size ceramic and smaller metal thimbles mostly, all the same sizes. Oh well, I will show you how these work even if they are not a perfect fit. I also have a leather needle thimble but it is not like the leather finger cots. Let’s start with the ceramic thimbles.
3.2.1 Ceramic thimble used as a safety device when needle felting
While the finger protection is good, the accuracy of fibre holding and ease of seeing the underdrawings is not as clear as in group 2 and parts of group 1. So, what are the advantages of ceramic thimbles? First, the smoothness of the ceramic sides does not grab or allow the fibre to cling to the thimble. Second, this is a reasonably common item, you may have one or two in your sewing kit. If not, you too may find one that fits better than mine at a second-hand shop.
The metal version is inexpensive and available at many stores (Dollerama, Walmart, Craft stores, Aliexpress). It again will protect the finger and comes in sizes that will fit. Most of the metal ones I have seen have an uneven surface to help keep a sewing needle from slipping off it when it is used in its intended manner. For us, that is not quite as useful but not a deal or hopefully not a needle breaker. As with the ceramic thimble, the shape tends to obscure the spot you are working on a bit, but it is in no way unusable. Another factor to consider is the size of the thimble. It can only protect what the thimble covers. So a small thimble will not save further up the finger. Again slow down and enjoy your felting experience and deprive the band-aid manufacturers of their profits!
3.2.2 Small mettle thimble with stippled sides
There are also silicon thimbles as Ruth mentioned. I was sure I had a set, but they are likely hiding, knowing I want to poke them with needles to see if they will be protective against them. If they do protect the fingers I am still worried that the wool will want to cling to their rubbery surface which will not help us. If I find their hiding spot I will give you better information.
The next one to consider is another older style of thimble (described online as an Antique Thimble Ring). I found a “medium” and “Small” but since they are adjustable, both will fit. This style, when worn backwards to the original use, unlike the regular thimble works very well with Long-er fingernails!
3.3.1-3.3.4 Antique thimble ring
2. Sewing implements in the thimble-like category
3.4.1-3.4.2 Two views of the corner turner and sewing machine finger protector
The purple plastic one is designed for use with a sewing machine to keep your finger away from that needle and the other silver metal one is used for the same purpose or for turning points on collars, cuffs and corners after sewing. Both are adjustable, like the antique thimble, so will fit most people. I found both of these on Aliexpress, but if you are curious, check your local sewing supply store, and Amazon.
As with the antique thimble, the sewing machine safety device (I still would not want to put my finger close to the needle in a sewing machine!) will work if you have long fingernails. (I know mine are still growing out again, so they are not very long at the moment.)
3.5.1-.2 Sewing machine finger protector
3.5.3 from Aliexpress
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Purple/Black
- Size: 6×1.7cm/2.36×0.67inch
The Metal version I found in two sizes, both are adjustable and will fit over longish fingernails. The metal is quite stiff but can be bent for a better fit and will deflect an aggressive vengeful needle. The mettle tip also works well to hold even a small wisp of fibre but is not as flexible as the previous plastic tip.
3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 This was described on Aliexpress as; “1PC Finger Lapel Turner Pocket Turning Tool Corner Turning for Shirt Collar Corner Trouser Corner Quick Lapel Finger Cover”
3.6.4 Measurements from one of the Aliexpress seller
Both of these hold the wool well while felting, but again obscures the part of the picture under the thimble part. Neither grabbed the wool while working with it. Ann tried the pinkish-purple plastic one and liked it.
3. Leather Finger cots
3.7.1 Leather finger cots, come in many colours and sizes.
These are like cutting the fingers off an old pair of leather, medium-weight, work gloves. They are often sold in a size too small for my fingers, but occasionally you will find ones that fit.
3.7.2 – 3.7.3 I ordered 3 sets and as you can see they are not all the same size, only the set on the right fit my fingers.
While they can be used on 2D projects like pictures, they can also be used carefully with 3D shapes too. It is better not to “Air Felt” (holding your piece up off the work surface and stabbing it while held). If this is your preferred method of working then I suggest a medium-weight, leather work glove be worn on your holding hand. This is most likely to thwart the most determined needle to stab you.
If you have a few scraps of leather, you can sew your own which will fit your fingers. There are special needles to sew leather to add to your needle collection (unfortunately leather needles do not felt, just sew leather.)
3.7.4 photo showing the finger cot on the wrong finger
Sometimes even the best tools are thwarted by bad instructions, such as this example from one of the Chinese sellers on Aliexpress. (Even the wet felters who do not dry felt will notice that the finger cots should be on the hand holding the fibre not on the hand holding the needle)
4. Leather Palm and Finger Protections
3.8.1 Sarafina Fiber Arts “Grab and Stab Finger Protector”
Although this is not a thimble-like object, it is sort of in between a set of finger cots and a leather glove. It is a heavier gauge of leather and better protects your hand than the finger cot if your needle slips or your aim is off. It is also more costly than finger cots but it may be an option if the finger cots are uncomfortable or you can’t find a pair that fit. This is more useful with 3D work than 2D since it is designed to hold an object while stabbing, ok, poking it carefully.
3.8.2 the leather covers fingers and thumbs as well as the palm.
3.8.3 fitting in the hand
3.8.4 Gripping fibre
When working on tiny tows or a thin edge, if the part you are working on fits in your hand, this is an excellent tool. I just have to remember to use mine.
Next will be Group 4 the Kitchen implements as felting safety devices. I hope this group have given you a few ideas and that you will enjoy our trip to the kitchen next post.
10 thoughts on “Fabulous finger protectors Group 3”
Wow Jan….informative as ever.
I’ve never seen the grab and stab protector
– very useful for ‘air stabbing’ activities I should imagine.
Nor have I seen the sewing machine finger protector or the corner turner before….fascinating. I’d love to see how the corner turner is used in practice….I’m usually to be found holding fiddly corners with pins, which is not ideal.
Thank Antje! Sara’s Leather Grab and Stab is a interesting alternitive to finger cotts and work gloves. i have found it usefull when working on a very thin edge like a pettle. the pink plastic swing macheen finger protector was liked by both Ann and i, if you see one try it on and see what you think about how if feels on your finger. the Mettle corner turnner once its adjusted to fit your finger was quite comfortable too. the next time i have to turn corners sewing i will have to remember to try it out for it intended use.
Love the ceramic thimbles!
I was very excited when i found a bag of them at a second hand store. unfortunatly they were all the same size!! (a bit big for my finger so maybe they are THUMbles). I like the Ceramic thinble bether sicne it did not have any interest in clining to the fiber.
Wow, who knew there were so many options? You teach us something new with every post 🙂
Thanks Ruth, i hope you are not getting borred with all the options. just one more post on this topic i prommis,
i hope this will inspier felters who are running out of bandades some options that may work for them. Feling is fun and it can be hard to slow down and just enjoy the stabing slowly so i am trying to offer options for those with intusiasum!
Great post Jan, I am not fussy about any of these. I like the long poky stick ( usually a chop stick or hair stick) when I need them. I like the rubbery ones if I have a hard time getting a needle through something. They grip better than my fingers. I have never seen the grab and stab. I hope you bring it to the next meeting so I can see it.
thanks Ann, i suspect everyone will have a perfered option. but its good to have a few back up options in case they are needed. the long poky stick shape and the rake like options since i can see what i am working on but the lack of interst shown by the metal and ceramic for fiber grabing i quite liked.
for working in your hand the Grab and Stab was a cool idea, but it is more expencive than a heavy leather glove. i will try to remember to add it to the things to take to the Library on Monday!
I (who consider myself to be antique) have never seen that antique thimble before, or the corner turner (I use a knitting needle usually) or the sewing machine needle finger protector. That last one does look quite useful for needle felting though and (apart from the leather cots) is probably the only one of this batch that I’d use – if I could find one. I’d be too afraid of busting my needles on the other, hard, finger protectors. That Sarafina one looks as if it would make a great handle holder for hot casseroles, though not at £48 a pair, which is what they seem to cost over here!
So. looking forward to group 4.
Ann
Love the metal sewing machine finger protector, I almost want to put it in a fountain pen (it looks like a nib)!
And the antique thimbles… I have a special place in my heart for them. I have a Victorian one and every time I wear it I like to think I’m keeping the hand sewing and mending tradition alive, and keeping the former user’s legacy too…