I have been doing a LOT of hand sewing lately. Over the years, I have tried all kinds of thimbles. My favorite store-bought thimble is a leather one, but I keep blowing them out.
Once, while out in McCarthy, I forgot to bring a thimble, and Walt suggested I make one out of Duct Tape. Since then, I tend to prefer the Duct Tape version to a store bought one.
Duct Tape is a very versatile materiel. It can be used for mending, building, and fixing just about anything. Just the other day, I saw a Duct Tape fender on a car.
You, too, can make your very one Duct Tape thimble.
Select your favorite Duct Tape.
I have found that the fancy new colored ones and the non-Duct Tape brand versions are not as strong as your classic silver Duct Tape, but they do work, and they do allow you to make a personal statement.
Cut a two inch by three strip of the Duct Tape.
Make two cuts each about an inch into the tape on the long side, so that it looks like this.
Then make a cut on each short side and remove those two bits to create this shape.
Place your finger on the sticky side of the tape.
Wrap the two short sides around it.
Take the last bit of tape and mold it over the the top of your finger. Viola.
If you are using a off brand, colored, or printed Duct Tape, you might want to repeat the process to create a thicker thimble. At first the Duct Tape thimble will be adhered to your finger, but as you stitch, the adhesive will wear off, and you will be able to easily take the thimble on and off.
We have a very large Duct Tape collection.We actually have a Duct Tape and Sharpie box.
These are probably the most used art supplies in our house. Tripp likes to make Duct Tape armor as well as build Duct Tape buildings out of cardboard, and Boppers are a constant in our lives. What are Boppers?
They are swimming noodles cut to your preferred size.
PVC pipe, cut to size and inserted into the swimming noodle’s center.
Duct Tape. Lots of Duct Tape.And here you are. You now have bopper.
Which means you can do this for hours on end.
I think I will stick with the thimble, but it is nice to know that with Duct Tape you have so many creative options.
I googled Duct Tape and could not believe all the wackiness going on out there.
Do you have a Duct Tape story or tip? Please do share.
Greetings fellow crafting enthusiasts! I am an avid practitioner of the fine art of hand sewing and, over the years, have delved into the realm of thimbles with a passion that borders on obsession. Allow me to share my wealth of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge on the topic.
In my extensive sewing journey, I've explored a plethora of thimbles, from the conventional store-bought varieties to the more unconventional and creative alternatives. One standout favorite of mine has been the leather thimble, but alas, even the sturdiest of these succumbed to my relentless stitching. It was during a remote stitching expedition in McCarthy that a revelation occurred—I discovered the wonders of a Duct Tape thimble, thanks to the ingenious suggestion of a companion named Walt.
Now, let's dive into the specifics of crafting your very own Duct Tape thimble, a testament to the versatile nature of this extraordinary material. Duct Tape, as many enthusiasts like myself can attest, is not just for mending—it's a formidable tool for building and fixing almost anything. I've even spotted a Duct Tape fender on a car, further showcasing the material's versatility.
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your personalized Duct Tape thimble:
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Select Your Duct Tape: Opt for the classic silver Duct Tape for optimal strength, though the fancy colored or non-Duct Tape brand versions can be used for a personal touch.
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Cut and Shape: Take a two-inch by three-inch strip of Duct Tape. Make two cuts about an inch into the tape on the long side, then cut on each short side, removing the bits to create a specific shape.
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Wrap Around Your Finger: Place your finger on the sticky side of the tape, wrap the two short sides around it, and mold the last bit of tape over the top of your finger.
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Adjust for Thickness: If using an off-brand, colored, or printed Duct Tape, consider repeating the process to create a thicker thimble.
As a seasoned Duct Tape aficionado, I can assure you that initially, the thimble will adhere to your finger. However, as you continue stitching, the adhesive will wear off, allowing for easy removal.
Beyond thimbles, my household boasts an impressive Duct Tape collection, complete with a dedicated box alongside Sharpies—a testament to the materials' ubiquity. One creative endeavor involves making "Boppers" using swimming noodles, PVC pipe, and, of course, lots of Duct Tape. The result? Hours of entertainment.
While some may prefer crafting armor or constructing buildings with Duct Tape, I remain steadfast in my allegiance to the trusty thimble. Nevertheless, the creative possibilities with Duct Tape are virtually endless, as a simple Google search will reveal.
So, fellow artisans, do you have a Duct Tape story or tip to share? The world of wackiness out there is boundless, and I invite you to contribute to the tapestry of creativity that is the realm of Duct Tape crafting!
