7 Best Plastic Bobbins For Intarsia Colorwork
Master intarsia with our top 7 plastic bobbins. We compare durability and ease of use to help you manage multiple yarn colors and keep your projects tangle-free.
Mastering intarsia colorwork requires more than just patience; it demands a reliable system to keep your yarn ends from turning into a chaotic bird’s nest. Plastic bobbins act as the essential anchors for your color blocks, preventing tangles and ensuring consistent tension across your rows. Choosing the right tool can transform a frustrating project into a meditative, rhythmic experience. Here is how to select the best bobbins to elevate your colorwork game.
Clover Knitting Bobbins: Best for Small Sections
Clover bobbins are the gold standard for those intricate, small-scale details that define high-end intarsia. Their signature "locking" mechanism is remarkably secure, ensuring that your yarn stays wound exactly where you put it, even when the bobbin is dangling from the back of your work.
If you are working on a project with tiny color motifs—like a small heart on a sweater chest—these bobbins shine. Because they are lightweight, they won’t pull on your stitches or distort your gauge, which is a common issue when using heavier tools for delicate work.
Keep in mind that the locking mechanism can be a bit fiddly if you have limited dexterity. However, for precision work, the trade-off is well worth the effort to keep your yarn secure.
Susan Bates Plastic Bobbins: Best Value Options
Susan Bates bobbins are the workhorses of the knitting world, offering a straightforward design that just works. They are simple, open-ended spools that allow you to wind your yarn quickly without any complex clips or hinges to navigate.
These are an excellent choice if you are just starting out with intarsia and don’t want to invest heavily in specialized gear. They are inexpensive enough that you can buy them in bulk, which is necessary for projects requiring dozens of color changes.
The downside is that they lack a locking mechanism, meaning the yarn can unwind if you aren’t careful. I recommend using a small piece of painter’s tape to secure the tail if you’re moving your project bag frequently.
Lacis Plastic Yarn Bobbins: Best for Large Color
When you are working with large blocks of color, you need a bobbin that can hold a significant yardage without becoming cumbersome. Lacis bobbins are designed with a wider capacity, making them perfect for sweater panels or large-scale geometric designs.
Because they hold more yarn, you won’t have to stop and re-wind as often, which keeps your flow consistent. This is a huge advantage when working with slippery fibers like silk or bamboo blends that tend to unravel if they aren’t held firmly.
These bobbins are slightly larger, so they can add a bit of weight to your fabric. Ensure you are supporting the weight of your work on your lap or a table to prevent the bobbins from stretching out your stitches.
Boye Plastic Bobbins: Best for Easy Yarn Access
Boye bobbins feature a classic, user-friendly shape that makes winding and unwinding a breeze. They are designed for knitters who value speed and ease of access above all else during their colorwork sessions.
If you are a fast knitter who likes to keep your momentum going, these are a fantastic choice. The smooth plastic surface allows the yarn to slide off effortlessly, preventing the "snag and pull" that can happen with cheaper, rougher plastic tools.
Be aware that because they are so smooth, they can sometimes slip off your yarn if you leave them hanging too loosely. Always give your yarn a quick check for tension before starting your next row to ensure everything is still seated correctly.
Pony Plastic Knitting Bobbins: Best Lightweight
Pony bobbins are incredibly thin and light, making them nearly invisible while you work. If you are sensitive to the weight of your knitting tools, these will feel like a breath of fresh air compared to bulkier alternatives.
They are particularly well-suited for lightweight yarns like lace or fingering weight wool. When you are using thin yarn, you don’t want a heavy bobbin pulling on your delicate stitches; these provide the perfect balance of function and subtlety.
The trade-off is that they aren’t as durable as some of the thicker plastic options on the market. Treat them with care, and avoid tossing them loosely into a bag where they might get crushed under heavier needles.
Knitters Pride Plastic Bobbins: Best Durability
Knitters Pride produces tools with a focus on longevity, and their bobbins are no exception. They are made from a high-quality, dense plastic that resists cracking and warping, even after years of heavy use in various climates.
If you are a long-term knitter who plans to tackle multiple intarsia projects over the coming years, these are a smart investment. They hold up well to the constant friction of yarn being pulled and re-wound, maintaining their shape over time.
They are slightly more expensive than basic plastic options, but the durability pays for itself. You won’t find yourself replacing these every few months, which makes them a sustainable choice for your knitting kit.
Yarnology Plastic Bobbins: Best Budget Selection
Yarnology bobbins are the go-to for knitters who need a functional solution on a tight budget. They are simple, effective, and widely available, making them a great "grab and go" option for your next project.
While they don’t have the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands, they get the job done perfectly well. They are ideal for beginners who want to experiment with intarsia without committing to high-end accessories.
Don’t expect them to last a lifetime, but for the price, they offer excellent utility. They are perfect for keeping in a travel kit for quick repairs or small colorwork additions on the go.
Essential Factors for Choosing Intarsia Bobbins
- Yarn Weight: Heavier yarns need larger bobbins with more capacity, while lace weight requires something lightweight.
- Number of Colors: If your project has 20+ colors, prioritize low-cost, stackable bobbins.
- Material Texture: Slippery yarns (like mercerized cotton) require bobbins with locking mechanisms to prevent unspooling.
- Project Size: A small wall hanging requires different bobbin management than a full-size intarsia sweater.
Techniques for Managing Your Intarsia Yarn Tails
The biggest mistake beginners make is leaving tails too short, which makes weaving in ends a nightmare later. Aim for at least a four-inch tail when you join a new color; this gives you enough length to secure the end properly on the wrong side of the fabric.
When you switch colors, always twist the new yarn around the old yarn on the wrong side. This creates a "lock" that prevents holes from forming at the color transition points, keeping your fabric smooth and professional.
If you find your tails are getting in the way, use a small crochet hook to pull them toward the back of the work immediately. Keeping the wrong side clean as you go will save you hours of finishing work once the knitting is complete.
How to Prevent Tangling During Complex Colorwork
The secret to tangle-free intarsia is to always turn your work in the same direction, like turning the page of a book. If you turn your work back and forth, your bobbins will inevitably twist around each other, creating a massive knot.
If you are working with a large number of bobbins, keep them organized in a shallow tray or a designated "bobbin box" while you knit. This prevents them from swinging wildly and tangling with their neighbors as you move your needles.
Lastly, take a moment every few rows to manually untwist your bobbins. It feels like a chore, but it is much faster than spending an hour untangling a web of yarn after you’ve finished your project.
Choosing the right bobbin is a personal journey that evolves alongside your skill level and the complexity of your projects. Whether you prioritize the security of a locking mechanism or the lightweight feel of a simple spool, the goal remains the same: to keep your yarn organized and your tension consistent. With these tools in your kit, you are well-equipped to tackle any colorwork pattern that catches your eye. Happy knitting, and may your yarn stay tangle-free.
