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Thread Bobbin Tutorial

As I was winding some embroidery threads onto bobbins yesterday, I realised I was almost out of them. Not being all that close to a craft shop, I pondered what to do. I noticed a couple of thin cardboard packets from chocolate blocks and realised they would be perfect for making some new bobbins. Bonus is that I am reusing cardboard.

If you don’t have cardboard chocolate packets, have a look at what other recyclables are around your home. Tissue boxes would suit, the thinner packing put between new shirts and sheets, cereal boxes, tea boxes etc.

* If you use cardboard that was from a food product, just make sure there is no food residue left on the cardboard.

Step 1. Open and flatten your cardboard, and trace around an existing bobbin. Try to fit as many shapes onto your cardboard as possible – we may as well make as many as we can! As you can see, I used the packets from Cadbury chocolate; enjoy the chocolate and then reuse the box. Mmmm.

Step 2. Carefully cut out the bobbin shapes, using your tracing as a guide. On one end of the bobbin, make two small cuts in the shape of a ‘V’ which will allow you to tuck the ends of your threads away during winding.

When I am about to start a new bobbin, I write the colour number plus the brand of yarn on one end as well as in the center of the bobbin. That way I can easily replace that colour when I am running low, or have just run out of the thread.

Step 3. Wind some thread onto your bobbins. Hey presto! You have made some new bobbins and you have reused packaging. It’s all good!

Feel like reading more creative posts? Head over to Kootoyoo for this weeks edition of My Creative Space.

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My Creative Space | Learning Crochet

I am currently learning how to crochet. For some reason it is harder for me than knitting. I’ve been watching videos on how to make granny squares & attempting to follow along. I get close, but my squares are too tight. Am I making a mistake in starting with a granny square or should I learn different type of stitches first?

As you can see, I’ve bought a few books in the hunt for one that makes it clearer and for someone who can’t crochet, I have a nice collection of crochet hooks. When I was learning how to knit, I had a wee bit of trouble picking that up but the owner of the local yarn shop recommended a children’s learn to knit booklet from Panda. Bingo! It all started to make sense. I felt a bit silly, but apparently I wasn’t the only adult who found the kids book much easier to follow. Maybe I need a kids book on crochet, too!

It’s all about learning for my creative space this week. Have a look at other creative spaces here at Kootoyoo.