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Bobbin
Bobbin
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Vintage wooden bobbins, cylindrical, empty of wound fiber, dimensions 16 in. high by 9 in. in diameter.
Vintage wooden bobbin, unflanged, wound with yarn and attached to a "shuttle" that fits it for use in a floor loom.

A bobbin or spool is a spindle or cylinder, with or without flanges, on which yarn, thread, wire, tape or film is wound.[1] Bobbins are typically found in industrial textile machinery,[2] as well as in sewing machines, fishing reels, tape measures, film rolls, cassette tapes, within electronic and electrical equipment, and for various other applications.[not verified in body]

Industrial textiles

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Bobbins are used in spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, and lacemaking.[3][4] In these practices, bobbins were invented to "manage the piles of thread and yarn that would be mechanically woven into cloth,"[2] which would have originally been wound through the use of human power, but which eventually became machine-driven.[citation needed] In these applications, bobbins provide storage, temporary and permanent, for yarn or thread.[citation needed] Historically, bobbins were made out of natural materials such as wood,[2] or bone.[5] While not in principle an invention of the Victorian era - bobbins in the production of textiles were in earlier use[6][7] - the machinery introduced in that era "were some of [its] greatest inventions" in that they "helped to revolutionize textile manufacturing".[2] In the machines used in such manufacturing,

The automated weaving machines would have hundreds of spindles operating simultaneously, with each spindle holding a bobbin that either released or collected the thread. Most mills had wooden bobbins made specifically for their machinery, which accounts for the many varied shapes and sizes of these spools.[2]

In more modern times, natural bobbin materials such as wood are no longer used in textile manufacturing,[2] instead having been replaced by metal and plastic.[8][9] The traditional bobbins made, for instance, of hardwoods such as ash and birch are unsuitable for the machinery of modern manufacturing, given the higher speeds involved, and the synthetic materials that are used in weaving; as well, bobbins were relatively customised parts made for the specific machines of each mill (and so of varying designs, each uniquely shaped of wood,[2] with metal parts in places of high wear[citation needed]), thus requiring "a great deal of handwork" such that the cost of continuing to make them was unfavorable to modern textile business.[2]

Since the retirement of the machinery involved, such bobbins and related parts have become items used in craft productions, given the numbers of distinct types, and the fact that "[e]ach... has its own 'battle scars' that give it unique character".[2]

Sewing and lacemaking

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Sewing

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Bobbin & bobbin case (obverse)
Bobbin & bobbin case (reverse)
Bobbin (right) and bobbin case for a shuttle hook sewing machine, introduced by Singer for the "Improved Family" model in 1895

The lockstitch sewing machine, invented and developed in the 18th and 19th centuries,[10][11] forms a stitch with two threads: one passed through a needle and another from a bobbin. Each thread stays on the same side of the material being sewn, interlacing with the other thread at each needle hole thanks to the machine's movement.[12] Tension of the bobbin thread is maintained with a bobbin case, a metal enclosure with a leaf spring which keeps the thread taut. The bobbin case has to be free-floating (not attached to an axle) in order to allow the top thread to pass around the bobbin completely and hook the bobbin thread.

Bobbins vary in shape and size, depending on the style of bobbin driver in the machine for which they are intended to be used. Long, narrow bobbins are used in early transverse shuttle and vibrating shuttle machines. These earlier movements were rendered obsolete by the invention of the rotary hook and the shuttle hook, which run faster and quieter with less air resistance. These shorter, wider bobbins are familiar to modern sewers, as the rotary/shuttle hook remains in use on modern machines essentially unchanged.

Lacemaking

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Bobbin lace requires the winding of yarn onto a temporary storage spindle made of wood (or, in earlier times, bone) often turned on a lathe. Many lace designs require dozens of bobbins at any one time.

Both traditional and contemporary bobbins may be decorated with designs, inscriptions, or pewter or wire inlays. Often, bobbins are 'spangled' to provide additional weight to keep the thread in tension. A hole is drilled near the base to enable glass beads and other ornaments to be attached by a loop of wire. These spangles provide a means of self-expression in the decoration of a tool of the craft.

Antique and unique bobbins, sometimes spangled, are highly sought after by antiques collectors.[13][page needed][14][15][16]

Electrical

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In electrical applications, transformers, inductors, solenoids, and relay coils use bobbins as permanent containers for the wire to retain shape and rigidity, and to ease assembly of the windings into or onto the magnetic core.[17] (Such coils of wire carrying current create the induced currents and magnetic fields required in these devices.)[18]

Bobbins in these applications may be made of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials (for example, phenolics);[19] this plastic often has to have a TÜV, UL, or other regulatory agency flammability rating for safety reasons.[20][21]

Furniture

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Bobbin furniture (also known as spool furniture) is a style of table or chair with lathe-turned legs.[22][23]

Miscellaneous applications

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Bobbins are also used for fly tying and tidy storage without tangles.[24][25]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A bobbin is a small cylindrical spool or spindle, typically with flanges at one or both ends, designed to hold and dispense thread, yarn, wire, or similar materials in various textile processes. It serves as a core component in sewing machines, where it supplies the lower thread to interlock with the upper thread and form a lockstitch; in weaving looms, where it winds yarn for insertion into shuttles to create the weft; and in lacemaking, where multiple bobbins manage threads to produce intricate patterns. The word "bobbin" derives from the Middle French bobine, meaning a spool or for thread, with its earliest recorded English use dating to the 1520s. Historically, bobbins evolved from wooden tools used in handloom during the pre-industrial era, where they facilitated the management of in shuttles to weave fabric. By the 19th century, amid the , bobbins became integral to mechanized textile production, symbolizing efficiency in cotton mills from the late 1700s onward, as seen in the factories of innovators like . In sewing machines, a pivotal advancement came with Allen B. Wilson's 1850 patent model, which featured a reciprocating bobbin to enable reliable lockstitching, revolutionizing garment production. Modern bobbins are crafted from materials like , metal, or composites for and precision, with types including top-loading, front-loading, and drop-in variants tailored to specific designs. Beyond textiles, bobbins find applications in for winding coils in transformers and inductors, though their primary association remains with and fiber arts. Their role underscores the from manual craftsmanship to automated , influencing industries worldwide.

History

Etymology and Origins

The term "bobbin" entered the English language in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle French "bobine," which denoted a small spool or pin used in sewing and tapestry work. The earliest recorded use in English dates to 1530, as noted in the Oxford English Dictionary. The etymology of "bobine" remains uncertain, with possible connections to Latin balbus (meaning "stammering" or "foolish"), potentially onomatopoeic for the sound produced during winding, or simply referring to a hank or bundle of thread. Although the specific term "bobbin" emerged in the , the underlying tool—a simple cylinder or spindle for holding and managing thread—has roots in earlier handcrafts predating widespread . In manual spinning and practices across , artisans employed rudimentary wooden or bone implements to store and maintain tension during processes like drop-spindling and loom , facilitating the production of fabrics without powered machinery. These early devices emphasized practical functions such as thread organization and controlled unwinding, essential for hand-operated crafts that relied on skilled manipulation rather than industrial tools. By the , bobbins evolved into more specialized forms, particularly in the nascent art of , which originated in and as an extension of braid-making traditions known as . In , early decorative variants emerged, including spangled bobbins adorned with beads or metal discs at one end to add weight for better tension control and to prevent rolling during lacework on a . These ornate versions, often crafted from wood or , highlighted the tool's dual role in functionality and aesthetic personalization within non-mechanical textile production.

Development Through the Industrial Era

The bobbin's role expanded significantly with the advent of mechanized textile production in the late 18th century. invented the in 1764, a multi-spindle frame that drew out and twisted rovings into while winding the resulting threads onto spindles functioning as bobbins. This device, initially hand-operated, allowed one worker to produce multiple threads simultaneously, necessitating standardized bobbins for efficient storage and transfer. Similarly, Richard Arkwright's , patented in 1769, powered by waterwheels, twisted fibers into and automatically wound them onto bobbins, enabling continuous production in early factories like . These innovations marked the bobbin's transition from a simple handcraft tool to an essential component in industrialized manufacturing. During the from the 1830s to 1900, the proliferation of high-speed textile mills further integrated bobbins into large-scale operations, predominantly using durable wooden variants to handle increased volumes of . In British and American mills, wooden bobbins were crafted from local hardwoods like or , designed to withstand the rigors of powered machinery while facilitating quick changes by workers. For instance, bobbins measuring around 39 cm in length were common in 19th-century English mills, supporting the processes in . This era's mills, such as those in and New England's Lowell system, relied on these bobbins to maintain production speeds, transforming the into a cornerstone of industrial economies. The bobbin's importance grew in sewing technology with Elias Howe's 1846 lockstitch (US4750), which incorporated a shuttle carrying a bobbin wound with under-thread to interlock with the upper thread from an eye-pointed needle. The bobbin, regulated by a spring-loaded clasp and friction roller, ensured consistent thread delivery for forming secure stitches, revolutionizing garment production. built on this in with his patented improvements (US8294), enhancing thread tension mechanisms to prevent breakage and enable smoother operation in both industrial and emerging domestic machines; by the late , Singer models featured refined bobbin cases for precise tension control, as seen in designs around 1895 that facilitated easier winding and maintenance in home use. In the early , the shift to semi-automated bobbin winding machines boosted efficiency in and industries. Patents like US1483937A from 1924 introduced gear-driven mechanisms for oscillatory thread guides, automating the winding process to reduce manual labor and minimize friction, allowing mills to produce uniform bobbins at higher speeds for mass output. This advancement supported the expansion of clothing and broader fabric applications, solidifying the bobbin's place in modern workflows.

Materials and Manufacturing

Traditional Materials

In the pre-20th century era, wooden materials dominated bobbin construction due to their availability, workability, and functional properties suited to hand-held tools across . Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and pearwood (Pyrus communis), both fine-grained native fruitwoods, were particularly favored for their durability, smooth texture, and low , which allowed threads to unwind evenly without during manual spinning and , especially in making. For industrial weaving bobbins, woods such as , , and were commonly used and sourced from coppiced forests in regions like the , where mills processed up to 500 tons annually to supply the burgeoning from the 16th to 19th centuries. For more delicate applications, such as lacemaking in English workshops, and served as premium alternatives, prized for their exceptional smoothness and resistance to thread abrasion. bobbins, often sourced from local butchers and turned on lathes, were inexpensive yet effective for everyday use, while provided a luxurious finish for high-end pieces, as evidenced by collections containing dozens of such examples from the . These materials enabled precise handling of fine threads in production, where bobbins needed to maintain shape under repeated manipulation. Despite their prevalence, traditional wooden bobbins faced significant limitations in emerging industrial environments, where high in steam-powered mills caused warping and dimensional , necessitating frequent replacements to avoid disruptions in mechanized spinning. This vulnerability, inherent to wood's hygroscopic nature, underscored the push toward more resilient materials as textile production scaled up in the .

Modern Materials and Methods

In the mid-20th century, the development of synthetic polymers led to a significant shift in bobbin materials, moving away from traditional wood toward lightweight plastics such as , ABS, and , which offered durability, electrical non-conductivity, and resistance to wear in high-speed operations. This transition accelerated post-World War II, enabling smoother thread handling compared to wooden predecessors that were prone to splintering. These plastics allowed bobbins to withstand rotational speeds in industrial machines, supporting efficient production without frequent replacements. For demanding industrial weaving applications, metal components remain prevalent, often featuring aluminum or cores for enhanced strength and stability under heavy loads. These cores are frequently coated with materials like anti-oxidant finishes or smooth polymers to minimize thread snags and ensure consistent unwinding during operation. Such designs provide superior tensile resistance, making them suitable for high-tension environments where alone might deform. Modern manufacturing techniques emphasize precision and scalability, with injection molding dominating the production of mass-market sewing bobbins. This process involves melting plastic resins—typically ABS or —and injecting them into molds to form standardized shapes, such as the Class 15 bobbin with a 20 mm diameter, which fits a wide range of household and semi-industrial machines. In the 2020s, has emerged for custom prototypes in crafts and specialized textile work, allowing artisans to create tailored bobbins using accessible printers for unique sizes or experimental designs. Sustainability efforts in the textile sector have driven the adoption of recyclable bioplastics since the , aiming to supplant petroleum-derived materials and curb environmental impacts from waste. Materials like (PLA), derived from renewable sources such as , are used in custom and craft bobbin production via , offering biodegradability and reduced carbon footprints. Additionally, as of 2024, recycled plastics are increasingly incorporated into bobbin to promote practices. This trend supports environmental goals in factories, where such bobbins can be recycled, addressing the industry's contribution to .

Applications in Textiles

Industrial Processes

In the spinning process, particularly ring spinning, bobbins serve as the primary means for collecting newly formed from the ring spindles, where roving is twisted and drawn into fine yarn before being wound onto the bobbin in a controlled manner to form cops. This winding occurs simultaneously with twisting, ensuring the yarn package maintains a conical shape suitable for subsequent processes. Automatic doffing systems, integrated into modern ring frames, automate the removal of full bobbins and their replacement with empty ones, significantly reducing downtime and labor; these systems transport doffed bobbins directly to creels for further handling. In weaving operations, specialized pirn bobbins—tapered at one end to fit within shuttle mechanisms—supply weft during the insertion phase, allowing for smooth traversal across the warp in traditional shuttle looms. These pirns enable precise delivery of yarn without excessive overhang, minimizing defects in fabric formation. In contemporary high-speed setups, such as air-jet looms, bobbins are employed for weft storage and feeding, leveraging their low-friction surfaces to reduce drag and enhance insertion efficiency during air-propelled weft travel. Bobbin creels play a crucial role in warp preparation, where they hold numerous bobbins to facilitate the simultaneous unwinding of yarns that are then paralleled and wound onto a warp beam for feeding. In large-scale mills, these creels can accommodate up to 10,000 bobbins, supporting the production of wide fabrics with thousands of warp ends while maintaining yarn alignment and tension uniformity. Quality control in industrial bobbin handling emphasizes precise tension management and even winding to avert breaks, which can lead to production halts and fabric imperfections. Proper tension ensures consistent density on the bobbin, preventing slubs or loose ends during unwinding. These practices, including automated tensioners, are essential for sustaining high throughput in mechanized environments. As of 2025, advancements include automated bobbin transport systems that eliminate manual handling and reduce intermediate storage, improving efficiency in mills. Additionally, bobbin-less winding machines are gaining traction, projected to reach a market size of by 2031, enabling direct processing without bobbins for and cost savings.

Sewing Machines

In sewing machines, the bobbin serves as the holder for the lower thread in the lockstitch mechanism, essential for garment and fabric production. The needle pierces the fabric, carrying the upper thread and forming a loop on the underside; a or shuttle then captures this loop and passes it around the bobbin thread, interlocking the two threads inside the material to create a strong, durable stitch that resists pulling apart. This interlocking process, which ensures the stitch's integrity, was pioneered in Howe's 1846 U.S. Patent No. 4,750, marking the first practical lockstitch machine using a shuttle fed by a bobbin. Bobbin cases, constructed from metal or , enclose the bobbin to regulate lower thread tension, typically adjusted to 150-200 grams of for balanced stitch formation across various fabrics. Winding the bobbin evenly is critical for consistent performance, achieved either via the sewing machine's integrated winder or standalone side-winder tools that facilitate precise thread layering without overfilling. Sewing machines employ different bobbin types based on , with drop-in (top-loading) systems allowing direct insertion from above for quick access and , as seen in modern Singer Heavy Duty models like the 4423, which use Class 15 plastic bobbins. In contrast, front-loading bobbins require sliding into a side compartment via a case, common in some vintage or compact machines, while compatibility standards like Class 66 apply to metal bobbins in specific older models for reliable fit and tension. Troubleshooting bobbin-related problems enhances machine reliability; for instance, "bird's nests"—tangled thread clumps under the fabric—often result from loose bobbin tension, incorrect winding, or misoriented insertion, leading to uneven pulls and skipped stitches. Resolution involves verifying bobbin direction ( or counterclockwise per machine specs), tightening the case tension screw in quarter-turn increments, and cleaning accumulated lint from the bobbin area to restore smooth operation.

Lacemaking

Bobbin lace, a technique originating in 16th-century and , evolved from earlier braid-making practices and involves interlacing threads wound onto numerous small over a cushioned to form intricate patterns guided by pins. Typically, patterns require 20 to 100 bobbins, with each holding a pair of threads that are twisted and plaited in sequence, allowing lacemakers to work only a few pairs at a time while maintaining the overall design. This manual method, quicker than , spread across through trade and refugee communities, reaching high levels of complexity by the . In traditional English bobbin lace, such as Bucks Point from the , spangled bobbins—wooden tools weighted at the base with glass beads or occasionally small bells—provide essential tension control for fine threads in delicate, geometric designs. The spangles not only add weight to keep threads taut but also prevent bobbins from rolling off the during intricate weaving. Contemporary adaptations retain the core manual process but incorporate ergonomic improvements, such as smoothly turned wooden bobbins or lightweight plastic ones with integrated pins for easier handling and reduced fatigue. Since the , digital software like Lace8 has enabled lacemakers to generate and customize patterns on computers, aiding precise pin placement and thread path planning before transferring to the . Antique bobbins from the 17th to 19th centuries, often decorated with carved, painted, or inscribed regional motifs, hold significant collectible value and are preserved in museums for their cultural insights, particularly those associated with lace from , , featuring floral and figural designs.

Applications in Other Fields

Electrical and Electronics

In electrical and , bobbins serve as essential formers for winding wire coils in components such as inductors and transformers. These devices typically employ plastic bobbins made from materials like () thermoplastic, which provide structural support while winding enameled wire to form the coil. The PBT material, often reinforced with and rated UL94 V0 for flame retardancy, delivers reliable electrical insulation capable of withstanding up to 3 kV RMS, ensuring safe operation in high-voltage environments. For solenoids and relays, bobbins feature specialized flanged designs that enable precise coil shapes and facilitate core insertion. The flanges guide the wire layers during winding, maintaining uniformity and preventing slippage, which is critical for consistent magnetic performance. Automated winding machines commonly used in production layer the enameled wire at speeds ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 turns per minute, allowing efficient high-volume of these compact electromechanical devices. Relevant standards, such as IEC 60335, govern the and of electrical appliances incorporating bobbin-wound coils, including requirements for insulation and dimensional stability to prevent hazards in . In automotive applications, high-temperature thermoset materials have been adopted for bobbins since the , offering superior heat resistance for under-hood components like ignition coils and sensors exposed to elevated operating temperatures. Bobbin-wound coils offer distinct advantages over bare coils, including simplified potting with resins that encapsulate the assembly for enhanced mechanical integrity and . This potting process bonds the windings, reducing vibration-induced wear and improving heat dissipation. Additionally, the structured bobbin design aids in containing the , thereby minimizing (EMI) in nearby circuits.

Furniture and Decorative Design

Bobbin turning is a woodworking technique performed on a lathe, where wood is shaped into spindle-like forms consisting of alternating bulbous and narrow sections that visually mimic stacked sewing bobbins. This method became particularly prominent in 17th-century English Jacobean furniture, especially during the Commonwealth period (1649–1660), when turned work experienced a revival amid Puritan influences favoring simpler, geometric designs over ornate carving. Bobbin-turned elements, such as chair legs, stretchers, and table supports, were common in northern England, with applied split-bobbin molding remaining fashionable until around 1700. In colonial American furniture of the early 1700s, bobbin turning influenced designs adapted from English and Dutch styles, appearing in chairs and tables crafted for everyday use. These pieces often featured bobbin-turned legs and frames for structural support and aesthetic appeal, utilizing durable hardwoods like oak for frames and maple or ash specifically for the turnings to achieve smooth, resilient shapes. The bobbin motif traces back to 18th-century colonial adaptations emphasizing practicality and local timber. The bobbin motif saw a notable revival during the late 19th-century , where artisans like incorporated it into handcrafted pieces for & Co., valuing the technique's honest expression of wood grain and craftsmanship. In modern reproductions and decorative crafts, bobbin turning extends beyond furniture to items like candlesticks and table accents, often produced using steam-powered lathes from woods such as or to evoke historical charm while suiting contemporary interiors. Unlike functional bobbins designed for winding thread, these ornamental applications serve purely aesthetic purposes, deriving their name solely from the visual resemblance to stacked spools.

Miscellaneous Uses

In fly tying, a craft popularized during 19th-century for creating artificial lures, small bobbins serve to hold fine thread under controlled tension, allowing tiers to wrap materials evenly around hooks to form durable flies. These bobbins typically feature adjustable tension mechanisms, such as disc drags or sliding bars, to prevent thread slippage and ensure precise application, with tube materials like or minimizing during use. Modern variants, including ergonomic designs for extended sessions, continue this tradition while enhancing comfort and control for hobbyists and professionals alike. Historically, bobbins—often referred to interchangeably with reels or spools—played a key role in reel-to-reel audio recording systems from the through the , where they wound for high-fidelity sound capture and playback in studios and homes. Introduced commercially with devices like the Model 200 in 1948, these bobbins facilitated innovations, such as those pioneered by , enabling the production of landmark albums by artists including . In contemporary applications, similar bobbin-like spools store , providing organized, reusable winding for threads up to 1 kg in capacity, as seen in precision-engineered designs that support efficient in additive manufacturing. Beyond specialized fields, bobbins find repurposed utility in crafts for organizing cords, threads, and beads, preventing tangles during projects like beading or kumihimo braiding. Products such as no-tangle thread bobbins allow users to wind and secure multiple strands, maintaining accessibility for hobbyists working with delicate materials. In DIY contexts, bobbins double as simple winding tools for hobbies including macramé, where they help manage yarn or cord lengths during knotting processes. Emerging applications include bobbin-integrated spool systems for tethered drones, which manage power and lines to enable prolonged aerial operations without battery constraints, a technology prototyped in the early . Developed for and monitoring, these low-friction spools, as in systems from Technologies founded in 2010, allow controlled deployment and retraction of tethers up to several hundred meters, supporting continuous flight in applications like event security.

References

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