Keeping your sewing bobbins off your sewing table -- clean, visible, and organized

Supplies

3mm Baltic Birch plywood

15mm Baltic Birch plywood

5/8 dowel

Wood glue

Varnish

Step 1: Bobbin Hangers

Cut the bobbin hangers (those fishbone-looking things) out of 3mm Baltic Birch, using a CNC router, or laser cutter, or scroll saw, or coping saw and patience. You'll need 3 with the longer "neck" and 3 with the shorter neck. The long and short necks stagger the bobbins so the ones at the back are visible.

Step 2: Axles

Cut 3 pcs. of 5/8 dowel 9" long (23 cm) (Save the scraps to use later.)

Step 3: Mark the Centerline of the Hangers

Draw a line down the center of the bobbin hangers. There is a notch at the center of each end for guidance.

Also mark a straight line along the length of each of the axles. I use the edge of a drawer.

Step 4: Cement First Side in Place

Run a bead of cement down the center of each of the bobbin hangers with the short necks.Put a piece of 5/8 dowel on either side of each axle with the line facing up. Cement the bobbin hangers onto the axles with the axles' lines showing through the alignment notches of the bobbin hanger.Make sure the bottom of the axle is flush with the end of the bobbin hanger. This is a bit fiddly, but it's really pretty forgiving. You'll be fine.

Step 5: Cut the Knobs and Rack From 15mm (5/8") Plywood

Again, use pretty much any cutting technology you have at hand. The only places that have to fit at all well are the holes where the axles will go through. An 11/16 hole works well for the holes in the rack, and a 5/8 hole for the knobs.

Step 6: Cement the Remaining Bobbin Hangers on the Axles

Draw a line down the center of the remaining bobbin hangers. Run a bead of cement down the center of each of the remaining bobbin hangers. Put a piece of 5/8 dowel on either side of the axles to keep the new hanger parallel with the one you already installed. Cement the bobbin hangers onto the axles with the axles' lines showing through the alignment notches of the bobbin hanger.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Screw the hanger rack back onto the rack with the holes. I used #8 wood screws, but nails and cement will do the job. Sand and varnish everything. Put the axles through the holes and cement the knobs on the projecting end. Let the knobs dry, and you've done it. You've made a Bobbin Buddy!