I hear ya! And while I still haven’t found any mystical elves that will wind my bobbins for me, I do have a bobbin winder that I swear by.

Today’s episode of A Handwoven Experience is all about working with a bobbin winder. If you’ve been winding yours by hand thus far, this could be a complete game changer! Check it out!

Show Notes –

Various Kinds of Bobbin Winders – In the video today, I’m using a hand-powered, single end, bobbin winder. But, there are electric versions available that can REALLY make quick work of loading up your bobbin! Plus, you’ll find versions that are classified as “single end” or “double end”. This refers to how the empty bobbin is attached to the winder. The Woolery has a nice selection and if you scroll down to the bottom, you can see their recommendations on how to wind a bobbin. Very interesting!!

Other Accessories – In case you missed it, I released a video all about weaving accessories last year. It includes a little tour around my loom, showcasing all the tools I reach for on a regular basis. You might discover something you’ve missed!

Now, you!

What is your favorite weaving accessory?

AC Insiders –

Have you heard the great news? I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership offers you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a weaver. You’ll get discounts on products and classes. Plus, you are the first to know about all the good stuff coming down the pike (because you’ll get to help create it)!

Have I piqued your interest? Want to know more? This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

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Weaving Accessories Show Notes –

Loom – A loom is a piece of equipment weavers use to create fabric. In this episode, you see me sitting at my 36″ 4-shaft Schacht floor loom.

Toilet paper – I use toilet paper as spacers at the beginning of my project. Typically I place about 5 rows of it to spread out the warp yarns. I like using tp because I don’t feel bad about pitching it afterwards. And it has handy-dandy perforation that makes it easy to remove once the project is off the loom.

Shuttle – Shuttles carry the weft yarns from side to side in the loom. I usually keep 3 styles of shuttles handy. A boat shuttle that holds a bobbin and looks slightly like a canoe. A stick shuttle that is flat and yarn winds directly on to it. And a rag shuttle designed to hold a collection of yarns or strips of fabric sewn together.

Bobbin – A bobbin fits into a boat shuttle and spins around, releasing the yarn as the shuttle is being tossed.

Bobbin winder – A bobbin winder is a slick little device that you clamp to a table. The empty bobbin slides onto it and then you add the yarn and start winding. In mere minutes, you’ll have a full bobbin. Very handy!

Scissors – You know what scissors are. As a weaver, scissors are critical – especially a sharp pair!

Measuring tape – A measuring tape is a flexible tape with inches marked on it. I use mine constantly when measuring a pattern repeat on the loom. Because it bends, it is wildly convenient.

Pins – I like to keep both straight and safety pins nearby. You’d be surprised how often I use them!

Screwdrivers – Ah, the tools. I’m about the least mechanically-inclined person you’ll ever meet. But, I’ve figured out how to use a screwdriver! Matter of fact, I’ve been at it long enough, I know how to use 2 kinds – a Phillips and a flat-head. Progress!

More Weaving Accessories Show Notes –

Notebook – I record all the minutes that go into a project. A bit anal? Definitely. Does it help me sleep at night? Yes, ma’am, it does.

Yardsticks – I may own more yardsticks that any other person in Indiana. Just speculating here. Because I have a 36″ loom, they are my favorite items to wedge in between my yarns on the back (and front) of the loom.

Craft paper – For my smaller table loom, I use a heavy duty craft paper in place of yardsticks. It’s nice that I can cut the width to whatever I need.

Reed – The reed is a divided frame in the beater bar that keeps the weaving project width consistent.

Heddles – Heddles are tall, skinny pieces with an eye in the middle. They live on each shaft, floating on top and bottom rails. Warp yarns are threaded through the heddles as a method to determine which shaft the yarn will live on – which in turn influences the weaving pattern.

Hot beverage – A hot beverage is a requirement for any weaving project. Wait – that could be just me.

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