Tutorial: Pretty Bobbins

I thought I would put together a quick tutorial with photos for those of you who might need some guidance for making fabric covered bobbins. They are quick to make and perfect for pretty scraps that you cannot find a use for. I even ended up using some of my precious Liberty Tana Lawn for a few bobbins and I absolutely love how embroidery threads go together with these prints. So get all the supplies ready and off we go!

Things you need:

• Bobbin template
• Thin cardboard (preferably with one white side)
• Large sharp fabric scissors
• Small sharp fabric scissors
• Scissors for cardboard (never use your fabric scissors for cutting any paper!)
• Pretty fabric scraps at least 1/4" bigger than the template (light weight fabrics are ideal for this project)
• PVA glue and a stack of heavy books

Note: For a bobbin template, simply trace one of the plastic or cardboard bobbins you have or draw your own. It's very easy. Just make sure if you are drawing one by yourself that all sides are symmetrical. 

1. Draw or trace your bobbin shape on a piece of cardboard to use as a template. Cut it out. Trace the template on cardboard or thick sketching paper. Cut out 2 shapes for each bobbin. Glue the templates onto the fabric pieces with the white side facing the fabric. 

2. Roughly trim the fabric around the template leaving about 1/4" border.

3. With small sharp scissors, evenly make small slits all the way around the shape. Make sure to cut the fabric all the way to the cardboard, but not to cut through the cardboard.

4. Apply a generous amount of glue around the edge and start folding the fabric over, making sure to push it and flatten it with your finger towards the centre to get a smooth edge. As you go around, overlap the pieces of fabric. Repeat for the second shape.

I like to glue the sides first and then go around the corners gluing pieces overlapping each other.

5. Spread the glue all over one of the parts and glue them together aligning all the edges. Press the edges well and wipe of any excess of glue. 

If there are any bits of fabric sticking out of the gap, simply push it carefully back in with a long needle. Put your bobbins under a stack of heavy books in a single layer to dry. It's a good idea to leave them overnight.

That's all. Once dry, get them from under the stack of the books and use them for your precious ribbons, threads or trims. Happy crafting! Larisa xox