Thimbles, those small but remarkable tools used to protect fingers while sewing, have a history dating back to ancient times. These little marvels have seen incredible advancements and cultural significance over the years.
Ancient origins: discovery of the first thimbles
Evolution of Materials and Designs
Over the centuries, thimbles have evolved, both in materials and designs. During the Middle Ages, craftsmen experimented with various materials such as leather, wood, and metal. It was in the 14th century that Nuremberg, Germany, gained recognition as a major center for the production of brass thimbles.
The date of the thimble’s invention is unknown. It is assumed that it followed closely on the heels of the needle, but there are no archaeological traces before the early Middle Ages, and notably, contrary to what is too often claimed, no thimbles have been found in Pompeii. The oldest thimbles were made of bone, horn, or ivory.
It was in the 14th century that they began to be decorated.
Until the mid- 18th century , the dimples on the outer side were shaped by hand with punches. Mechanization also eliminated the domed appearance of the top. The oldest thimbles are remarkable for three things: the irregular thickness of the metal, the domed appearance of the top, and the irregularity of the dimples on the outer side.
Although thimbles were originally used for sewing, they later had other uses: in the 1800s, they were used as a measure for spirits and there are many expressions inherited from this usage: ” just a finger “, ” a thimble of… “, ” who wants a thimble has a thimble! ” “Offer a thimble to your neighbor and he will give you his hand”, or even ” to drown in a thimble “.
