Bobbin Buddy

by ronphillips

8.8K8312

Intro: Bobbin Buddy

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

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!

11 Comments

chefspenser 2 years ago

Terrific idea and execution.....thank you for sharing!

ronphillips 2 years ago

You're welcome! And thank you for commenting!

chuckstake 2 years ago

got me thinking love what you have made nice

j1shalack 2 years ago

Great idea.
I was thinking of making something like this.
Maybe, longer to hold bobbin and matching spool...?

chuckstake 2 years ago

i love your thinking with the spools

LynneDe 2 years ago

I like the premise of having a wall-mounted, turnable bobbin holder. For my skills and equipment, I'm thinking a small square of wood with holes drilled and dowels inserted in about the same spacing as you have here, might work. I do have the knowledge and tools to do that much, I think...Thank you for the idea. When my 'to-do' list is whittled down, I may try this...winter's coming here in the NE USA, much to do to prepare! Thank you and Blessings!

ronphillips 2 years ago

That ought to work! I actually wanted to use our library's free Laser Cutter, but they were booked.

LynneDe 2 years ago

I've never used a laser cutter or a CNC or any type of cutting machine except scroll saw, band saw, table saw.... I do have a scroll saw, but think it would be tedious and too much room for error on my part. I also have a drill press, so I'm thinking that might make it doable for me. Have fun! Love creative minds. :)