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Frequently Asked Questions
Atlas is designed for clean daily use and avoids materials that commonly stain the finger, such as brass, bronze and nickel-plated metals.The Atlas range is made in sterling silver, stainless steel and hardened resin, so the thimble can sit directly on the skin without relying on cheap plating, nail polish or staining materials.
The metal Atlas models are made for those who want the weight, strength and permanence of sterling silver or stainless steel.ATLAS+ uses the same design logic in hardened resin, with a lighter feel and a more accessible price.Both are designed around the same purpose: better needle grip, clean daily use and more control in hand sewing.
Atlas metal thimbles are made in small batches using casting and hand-finishing techniques.Before casting, wax models are made and assembled onto a wax tree. The tree is immersed in ceramic investment, which is left to dry and then heated so the wax melts out. This creates a ceramic mould ready for molten silver or metal.After casting, each Atlas is individually finished by hand. It takes around five hours to finish one Atlas thimble, and only small batches are produced at a time.
Atlas costs more than an ordinary thimble because it is not made as a disposable sewing accessory. It is a premium professional tailor’s thimble designed for better needle grip, clean daily use, accurate sizing and long-term reliability.For a tailor, the thimble is one of the most used tools in hand sewing. A coatmaker, trouser maker or garment maker does not need a drawer full of thimbles. They need one good thimble that fits securely, protects the finger, grips the needle well and can be relied on over years of regular use.Atlas also includes a fit confirmation set, free worldwide shipping and a 25-year warranty, so the price reflects not only the thimble itself, but the care taken to help you choose and use it properly.
Atlas improves needle grip through eight flat windows and deep needle dimples around the body of the thimble.These create more defined contact points for the needle, helping it stay in position instead of sliding across a continuously curved surface. This is especially useful when sewing at low angles or through heavier layers of cloth.The image below shows how the flat windows act as a wall behind the needle, giving it a more stable landing point.
We do not recommend reshaping your Atlas with a hammer.Older tailor’s thimbles were sometimes hammered to adjust the fit, but Atlas is made in five sizes and allows you to test three sizes to help you choose the correct fit before your final thimble is sent.Hammering your thimble can damage the shape, windows, dimples or fit. Besides, a general oval shape can cause needle slippage.Damage caused by reshaping is not covered by returns or warranty.
Sterling silver is softer than steel, but the strength of a silver thimble also depends on its thickness and construction.Atlas Royal has a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm with an additional 2 mm at its base and has been tested for strength. In our testing, it took around 35 kg of applied pressure with a sharp tool to pierce through the thimble wall.This makes Atlas Royal, our sterling silver model suitable for serious hand sewing.
If you already have a tailor’s thimble you are used to, Atlas may feel different at first.Many tailors adapt their sewing technique around the thimble they have. If a thimble does not grip the needle well, the hand often learns to compensate by pushing from the side, changing the finger angle or using more pressure than necessary.Atlas was designed to reduce that need to compensate. Its flat windows and deep needle dimples are made to support proper needle pushing from the front of the thimble, giving the needle more secure contact points during hand sewing.So using Atlas may not only mean changing your thimble. It may also mean letting go of habits that were formed around a less supportive tool.
Atlas comes in five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL.
To choose your size, first measure the width of your middle finger according to the instructions below and place your order:
After you place your order, we send you a starter set consisting of three ATLAS+ thimbles. The set contains your chosen size, one smaller and one larger. This way you can confirm your size with us via mail and immediately start using your Atlas while your metal one is being made. Once ready, we will then send your Atlas by DHL Express with free worldwide shipping.
Ordering ATLAS+ by itself goes through the same process. You will receive three thimbles with two gift pouches. This allows you to gift your unused sizes to a friend or colleague to make their day.
If you suspect measuring between two Atlas sizes, the only way to confirm this is by testing all three ATLAS+ thimbles sent to you after your order. If after testing you find out that you really are between sizes and non of the sizes fit you, you can easliy request a refund and send the thimbles back to us.A tailor’s thimble should feel secure without feeling tight or restrictive. If your thimble falls off while sewing, there can be many reasons for it. For example but not limited to:
• Cold dry hands• Excessive sweat• Wrong needle and thimble technique• Irregular finger shape caused by lumps or bumpsAtlas is designed to support proper needle pushing from the front contact points. If you are unsure after testing your sizes, contact us and we will help you choose the right size.
When ordering ATLAS+ If your ATLAS+ model, size and colour are in stock, we usually send it within two working days from when we receive your order.
If your chosen colour is not in stock, we will ask you if you are flexible on choosing another colour.The same goes for your chosen size and model so we can still serve you fast and well.If however, we can't ship your ATLAS+ due to it being out of stock, your order becomes a pre-order. In that case it can take up to a month before it's ready.When ordering Atlas steel or silverIf your Atlas model and confirmed size are in stock, we usually send it within two working days after you confirm your size with the ATLAS+ starter set.If your size or model is not in stock, your order becomes a pre-order. In that case, it can take up to four months before your metal thimble is ready. Meanwhile you can use your ATLAS+ until your final thimble is shipped.Atlas is made in small batches, and we will confirm your estimated waiting time after you place your pre-order.
Yes. We can personalise your Atlas with engraving on the inside of the thimble for an additional cost.To request engraving, send us the text or image you would like engraved. We will then confirm whether it is possible and provide a price estimate.Personalised engraving may increase the delivery time.
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