6 Best Bobbin Holders For Intarsia Knitting Reviewed
Master intarsia with our review of the 6 best bobbin holders. Discover tools that keep your yarn tangle-free and organized for seamless, professional results.
Intarsia knitting is a beautiful technique that allows for large blocks of color, but it can quickly turn into a tangled nightmare without the right tools. Managing multiple yarn bobbins is the secret to keeping your workspace organized and your tension consistent throughout the project. Choosing the right bobbin depends largely on your personal knitting style and the specific weight of the yarn you are using. This guide breaks down the best options on the market to help you master your next colorwork masterpiece.
Clover Yarn Bobbins: Best for Basic Intarsia
Clover bobbins are a staple in most knitting bags for a reason. Their simple, flexible plastic design makes them incredibly easy to snap open and shut, which is a lifesaver when you are quickly changing colors during a row.
They are particularly well-suited for beginners who are just starting to experiment with intarsia. Because they are lightweight, they won’t pull on your stitches or distort your gauge, which is a common issue when using heavier, DIY makeshift bobbins.
The downside is that the plastic hinge can eventually fatigue if you are constantly winding and unwinding them. However, for a standard project, they offer the perfect balance of portability and ease of use.
Lacis Plastic Yarn Bobbins: Best for Bulk Use
If you are tackling a large-scale intarsia project—like a complex picture sweater—you will likely need dozens of these tools at once. Lacis bobbins are often sold in larger sets, making them the most economical choice for projects that require a high volume of color blocks.
Their design is straightforward and functional, lacking the bells and whistles of more expensive models. This simplicity is actually their greatest strength, as there is very little that can go wrong or break during a long-term project.
Keep in mind that these bobbins are best for smooth, non-fuzzy yarns. If you are using a mohair or a high-twist wool, the yarn may snag slightly on the plastic edges, so take care when pulling your working length.
Knit Picks Yarn Bobbins: Best Value for Money
Knit Picks has built a reputation for providing quality tools at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. Their bobbins are sturdy, reliable, and come in a shape that prevents them from rolling off your lap while you work.
These are an excellent "middle-of-the-road" option for knitters who want something more durable than the cheapest plastic options but don’t want to invest in high-end ergonomic gear. They hold a generous amount of yarn, which means fewer trips to the ball winder.
If you find yourself knitting intarsia regularly, stocking up on a few packs of these is a smart move. They are consistent, easy to store, and hold their shape even after months of being tossed in a project bag.
Boye Yarn Bobbins: Best for Secure Tension
Boye bobbins feature a unique locking mechanism that is a game-changer for knitters who struggle with yarn unraveling unintentionally. If you are tired of your bobbins "unspooling" while you set your needles down, this is the design for you.
The tension control is superior here because the yarn stays exactly where you leave it. This is vital when working with slippery fibers like silk or bamboo blends, which tend to slide off standard bobbins with the slightest movement.
Be aware that the locking mechanism can be a bit stiff at first. It is worth taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the tension dial before you start your project to ensure you don’t accidentally snap the plastic.
Susan Bates Yarn Bobbins: Best for Small Projects
When you are working on small intarsia motifs, such as a single heart or a small geometric pattern, you don’t need a bulky bobbin. Susan Bates offers a compact, lightweight option that is perfect for these delicate, intricate color changes.
Their small footprint makes them ideal for working with fine-weight yarns where you only need a few yards of a specific color. They sit neatly against your work without adding unnecessary weight to the fabric.
Because they are so small, they aren’t meant to hold large amounts of yarn. Use these for your accent colors rather than your main color, and you will find they offer excellent control for detailed, precise work.
Prym Yarn Bobbins: Best Ergonomic Design Choice
Prym is known for thoughtful engineering, and their bobbins are no exception. They feature a slightly rounded, ergonomic shape that feels comfortable in the hand, which is a major advantage during long knitting sessions.
If you suffer from hand fatigue or arthritis, the tactile design of these bobbins can make a noticeable difference. They are easy to manipulate and don’t require a tight grip to open or close, reducing strain during those long colorwork marathons.
They are slightly more expensive than basic plastic alternatives, but the comfort factor is well worth the investment. Think of them as a tool that supports your long-term health as a maker.
How to Choose the Right Bobbin for Your Project
Choosing a bobbin is about balancing the weight of your yarn with the complexity of your pattern. For heavy, bulky yarns, you need a larger, sturdier bobbin that won’t flip over or tangle.
- Yarn Weight: Use small bobbins for fingering weight and large bobbins for worsted or chunky yarns.
- Project Size: Large, multi-color projects require many cheap, reliable bobbins; small motifs require specialized, lightweight ones.
- Fiber Type: Slippery yarns like silk need locking mechanisms, while grippy wools can handle simpler designs.
Always consider how much yarn you actually need to wind. Over-winding a bobbin can make it heavy and prone to falling, which can pull your stitches and ruin your gauge.
Essential Tips for Tangle-Free Intarsia Work
The biggest secret to tangle-free intarsia is to always turn your work in the same direction. If you turn your work clockwise on one row, turn it clockwise on the next; this prevents the yarn strands from twisting around each other.
Keep your bobbins organized in a tray or a box while you work. If you let them dangle freely, they will inevitably find a way to knot themselves together, leading to a frustrating "de-tangling" session that breaks your knitting flow.
- Keep it tidy: Use a dedicated bobbin tray to keep colors separated.
- Manage length: Don’t let your working yarn be longer than 12-18 inches to prevent tangling.
- Twist management: If you notice the bobbins tangling, stop and manually untwist the strands before continuing.
Maintaining Your Knitting Bobbins for Longevity
Plastic bobbins are durable, but they can collect dust and yarn fibers over time. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth every few projects will keep them sliding smoothly and prevent any snagging on your precious fibers.
If you notice a rough spot on the plastic, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a nail file to smooth it out. A single snag can ruin a delicate yarn, so keeping your tools smooth is just as important as keeping your needles smooth.
Store your bobbins in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can warp plastic over time, making the hinges difficult to open or causing them to lose their "snap."
Frequently Asked Questions About Intarsia Tools
Do I really need bobbins for intarsia? While you could use butterflies of yarn, bobbins provide much better tension control and significantly reduce tangling. They are a worthwhile investment for any serious colorwork project.
What if my bobbin is too heavy for my yarn? If you are using a delicate yarn and notice the bobbin is pulling the stitches, try using a smaller bobbin or winding less yarn at a time. You can also let the bobbin rest on a flat surface while you knit to take the weight off the fabric.
Can I use bobbins for stranded colorwork? Generally, no. Stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) carries floats across the back, whereas intarsia uses separate bobbins for each color block. Stick to bobbins specifically for intarsia projects.
Intarsia knitting is a rewarding way to add personality and art to your handmade wardrobe. By selecting the right bobbin for your specific project and fiber, you can eliminate the frustration of tangles and focus on the joy of creating. Remember that the best tool is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and helps you maintain a consistent, beautiful gauge. Happy knitting, and enjoy the process of bringing your colorful designs to life.
