Sewing instruments rescued from the Thames. 14th century, V & A Museum, London
TOOLS USED FOR MAKING GLOVES
The tools used to make a glove are not many and are similar to those used during the time period the 14th century through the 17th Century. The picture on the left are surviving sewing tools discovered in the Thames river. The photo was taken from Google Image Public domain. You can see thimbles, needles, needle cases and scissors.
See the list below with the description of how the tool is used.
Tailor Chalk, Sharp Colored Pencil or Ink pen Use either of these to mark the pattern on the leather. If you choose to use ink, you can cut it away during the cutting portion. Ink can be messy and is not recommended.
Scissors
A large sharp pair of scissors. You need these to make an even cut in your leather, linen or silk.
A small sharp pair of scissors for those times you need to cut thread or make small adjustments while sewing.
Glover and 'Sharp' Needles Elias Kuause was one of many needle makers who lived on London Bridge, London (Rollins, 6) during the middle of the 16th century. His family was well known for their well made iron needles. He worked in London during the Importation Act of 1563 which prevented importation of fine German needles (Rollins, 6). He stayed and established a business to the benefit of the glover industry. Needles of period where made from the finest iron wire and the holes were punched and guttered so they ran smooth through the leather. Glover's needles for sewing gloves come in sizes 1 through 8. Size 7 is a comfortable size and is easy to handle. It works well on finer leathers. The three-sided head will go through a piece of leather very easily. Keep in mind that also means your skin.
The type of needle you use depends upon the weight of the leather. It can sometimes damage a thin piece of leather and is recommended for the heavier leathers like Elk. A simple 'sharp' needle, size 7, is sufficient for the finer leathers. I also use a 'sharp' for linen and silk.
Thimble My thimble is a metal thimble that looks like the kind used in period. I covered the metal part with a hard leather and sewed an elastic around the edge. The leather holds the head of the pin more securely when I push a pin in leather and the elastic helps hold the thimble on my finger.
Linen or Silk Thread The threads used for sewing leather are 100% silk or Linen. These are hardy threads that will hold a leather seam together. Whichever type of thread you choose to use, it must be waxed to allow it to pass through the leather with ease.
Wax Wax is a necessary ingredient to coat your thread.
Jewelry Needle-nose Pliers There are times you will have difficulty pulling the needle through the leather even when the thread is waxed. I use this tool to help me out.k here to edit.
Wooden Dowel A 1/2" wooden dowel with a rounded end can help reverse the fingers of a glove when you sew the seam on the inside of the glove. You use this to push them out.
The pictures below are the tools I use to sew my gloves.