Non-sponsored personal recommendations for all types of tools that make weaving easier. Please send us your ideas via the email link below.
In a perfect world, I’d never need to replace a broken end or add floating selvedges after I beam a warp. But because that’s not the world I actually live in, I’m delighted to have the bobbins you see above to make warp adjustments easier.
I got my supply of Bob-EEZ bobbins a decade ago. They measure 17⁄8" in diameter and weigh 24 grams each, they’re made of flexible plastic, and they came in a box of 25. That’s probably a few more than I really need, but it means I can use them on multiple looms at the same time without worrying about running out.
To load a bobbin, you flip the top side up, wind yarn around the center, and then flip the top back down to secure the yarn. Thread the new warp end through the heddle and reed, secure it to your fabric, and dangle the bobbin over the warp beam. As you weave, pull more yarn free. An s-hook fits through the center hole for warp ends that need a little extra weight.
My typical warp yarns are 8/2 or 10/2 cotton, with an occasional finer cotton or silk, or heavier wool, tossed into the mix. I’ve wound on lengths of 10 yards or so without slippage; longer than that might require that you make a loop around the bobbin for hanging (you can see that above, right).
To find your own supply of bobbins, do a web search on the phrase “kumihimo bobbins.” They come in several diameters under various brand names, and you can get them weighted or unweighted. If you have unweighted bobbins or if yours are a different diameter, please let us know at the email link below how they’re working for you.
I’ve seen flexible bobbins available via Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and various other retailers at wildly inconsistent prices, so check out a few options before you hit the Buy button.
And if you’re located near Saint Clair Shores, Michigan (north of Detroit), there’s a screaming deal right now on Facebook Marketplace for a bag of 25 just like mine, for pick up only. Someone go get them!
Happy weaving,
Lynn
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