When I ordered a thimbal from Atlanta Thread, I was asked "with open or closed end". Not knowing what on earth one would want with an open ended thimbal, I was told that they are the choice of tailors.
I bought one of each and am still clueless.
js
-- PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
I've always meant to try an open ended thimble because I don't use the _end_ of my finger to push, I use the pad of my finger. Besides, a closed end thimble always feels like it is squishing my finger nail.
liz young
I use a Roxanne's open ended thimble for quilting, but closed ended ones for applique and regular hand sewing. I think it just depends on how each sewist pushes the needle for individual tasks. Pushing from the side in quilting, at least, is definitely better for one's hand, since pushing with the finger tip, thus keeping your finger bent for extended periods of time, can result in "quilter's claw" (sounds most unattractive, doesn't it!).
Doreen in Alabama
It may be to accommodate longer fingernails? I had the same question when I order thimbles for my son-in-law. I have always used closed ones for garment construction. Since I started wearing longer nails, I can't use my old one, maybe I'll try an open one.
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