One way to prevent pain on your fingers when you knit is to use sewing thimbles. These little cup-like devices are pushing tools used by seamstresses, quilters, and knitters. Thimbles come in different materials from metal to leather and plastic. These pushing tools have tiny dimples that catch the needle eye and prevent it from sliding. Thimbles come in different sizes to make sure they give a comfortable fit to your finger. In the early years, tailors and quilters wear thimbles on their middle fingers. Now, you can find thimbles that also fit your index fingers and thumb. Many believe that the oldest thimble was over 30,000 years old and made out of bones. Then, during the 19th century Charles Horner made the popular Dorcas thimbles. These thimbles use layers of strong steel and silver with beautiful artistic nudges. Dorcas thimbles are among the highly prized thimbles among antique and thimble collectors.