I've started to accumulate. Not just fabric, of course, we all need a sizable fabric stash in case of well, a zombie apocalypse or something, where we can't get out to the fabric shop for a while. I've also started to accumulate some sewing tools. Small tools that make sewing quicker, easier or help me to get a better result.
I'm so delighted with these Dritz thermal thimbles that I bought, that I wanted to share them with you.
Why you need these Dritz Thermal Thimbles!
Have you ever noticed when you look at the base of your iron how the majority of the steam vents are either near the tip, on the outer edges of the soleplate, or both. They even usually have little grooves that direct the steam outwards too.
That means that whenever you want to press small seams, or press details, straps for bags, small folds etc – your fingers are right there just waiting to be blasted with steam and scorched. My index finger was becoming permanently sore from being blasted with steam each week before it had a chance to get better from last time!
The pack of thimbles comes with all 3 in one pack, all in slightly different sizes. They were perfect for my thumb, first and second fingers. They are rubbery so have some stretch so I don't think anyone would have trouble getting the right fit. They are nice and soft and even fit over my long nails easily.
The little thimbles also have little rubber fingers which help you to easily grip your fabric to get nice crisp accurate edges, and best of all, no more burned fingers either by accidentally touching them with the edge of the iron or from the unexpected blasts of steam.
I can now confidently press small seams and small pieces, and these thermal thimbles give complete protection. They've become my new sewing essential. For just a few dollars, I really wish I'd gotten these a long time ago.
You can find them here:
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
These are AMAAAAZING! Thanks for the tip!
OMG I wish I had known of these sooner! I’ve had too many steam burns to count, none serious but still hurt!
I have those plus the Singer Heat Resistant Finger Guards. The Singer ones are shorter, pink, & thicker. I have small fingers so the Singer work better for me. lol
I need these! I haven’t seen them before but I will be looking for them. It’s hard to believe they haven’t been around forever!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing! Who knew they even made these?
I too have those finger thimbles but did not think to use them as I iron . I use them with the hot glue gun. Thank you for sharing now they will be in my top drawer of my ironing station in stead of my box of gluing items.
I also use them to help hold fabric. I have had thumb surgery and tend to use the “death grip” when holding fabric in my left hand. The stickiness of the silicon makes it so I don’t have to hold so hard.
Also works well for ironing
Hi Deby, I have never commented before but I want to first say thank you for all of your wonderful work. May you have continuing success and may God bless you!
Now, as for the finger protectors or thermal thimbles, I use them for more than ironing my sewing. The other day I slipped them on for protection from my hot glue gun when I was working on favors for a baby shower. They worked great for the tips, unfortunately not so much for top of finger hit by a drip! Oh well could definitely been worse 🙂
That’s a great idea. I’m sure they have lots of uses. I was wondering if I could use them to pull a needle through when hand sewing thick layers. My fingers get a bit damp here in the tropical heat and its hard to grip the needle. Must give it a try sometime.
I keep a small bowl of ice water nearby when using a hot glue gun. I’ve avoided many a blistered burn this way!
These thimbles will be perfect for helping with my osteoporosis and holding onto turned fabric with pain!!!
I like them when I’m quilting. I don’t really like to sew with gloves on to get more control over the material, but using the nimblers I get the control that I want without sweating palms!
That’s another great use for them I hadn’t thought of.
You have totally rocked my world with these!
Mine too! I’m always on the look out for simple tools to make my sewing easier or more enjoyable.
Thanks for the tip! I think I definitely need these.
Thanks for the great tool tip…can’t believe I haven’t seen these before considering I’m at the fabric shop every other week….thanks for the “where to buy” links, I just ordered mine from Amazon.com and got free shipping with my “prime” membership. Sweeeeet!
Oh boy, I need these! How have I not seen them before! Thanks Deby. What I’ve been using for close ironing like this is the left hand of a golf glove set. Someone gave that tip at a drapery conference. This is a much better solution.
You’ll be able to get much better control I think with these. Made me laugh though, all you need is a few sequins on that glove and you’ll look like Michael Jackson!
What an ingenious little invention, Deby. Thanks so much for showing me. Funnily enough, I’m off to a fabric store tomorrow. Fingers crossed they have some. Even if I end up buying a bias maker, I can see me using something like this for small jobs.
Neat tool, but ‘fess up – does your nail polish match the tips on purpose? 🙂
Funny right! No, it was just a co-incidence.