Spool vs. Bobbin — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 4, 2023
A spool is a cylinder or reel holding thread or wire, while a bobbin is a smaller spool that fits inside sewing machines for thread storage.
Difference Between Spool and Bobbin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A spool is generally a cylinder around which materials such as thread, wire, or cable are wound for storage. Spools come in various sizes and are used for different purposes, from sewing to industrial applications. They are often made from wood, plastic, or metal and are designed to release thread or wire smoothly without tangling. A bobbin, on the other hand, is specifically a small spool that holds thread in a sewing machine. It is typically made of plastic or metal and is an essential component of a sewing machine, supplying the lower thread during the stitching process.
Spools can be used for a variety of tasks including fishing line storage, electrical wire spools, and even in 3D printing. They are designed to be reusable and can be quite durable. Bobbins, however, are designed to fit within the bobbin case of a sewing machine and are crucial for the machine's ability to form stitches. While they can be reused, they are specific to their application and not interchangeable with spools used for other purposes.
When it comes to size, spools are more variable. They can be small enough for a handheld sewing kit or large enough to be used in commercial settings. Bobbins are much smaller, made to a specific size to fit the machinery they are designed for. They are often not useful outside the context of sewing or stitching.
In handling, a spool is usually handled manually, and the material wound around it is often used in a single layer. The bobbin, however, works mechanically inside a machine, with the thread interlacing with the top thread from the needle to create a lockstitch. This means bobbins must be wound tightly and evenly to function correctly within the machine.
Finally, the term "spool" can also refer to the act of winding thread onto the cylinder, as in "to spool wire," whereas "bobbin" does not have a verb form. Spools may serve various purposes beyond sewing, whereas bobbins are almost exclusively used in conjunction with sewing machines.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Holding various materials like thread, wire.
Specifically for sewing machine thread.
Size
Variable, from small to large.
Small, standardized to fit machines.
Material
Wood, plastic, metal.
Often plastic or metal.
Function
Can be used manually or on machines.
Used inside sewing machines.
Interchangeability
More versatile for different uses.
Specific to its machine and purpose.
Compare with Definitions
Spool
The cylindrical part of a hoverboard wheel that holds the magnets.
The spool inside the hoverboard wheel needed to be replaced for better performance.
Bobbin
A small spool used in a sewing machine to hold the bottom thread.
She wound some pink thread onto the bobbin before starting her project.
Spool
A holder for film or magnetic tape.
The old camera uses a spool of film to capture images.
Bobbin
The component in a coil or transformer around which wire is wound.
The technician checked the bobbin for any signs of damaged wire.
Spool
A term used in software to denote temporary storage.
The printer spooled the documents before it started printing.
Bobbin
In fishing, a small spool to hold the line on a reel.
He replaced the bobbin on his fishing reel with a larger one to hold more line.
Spool
To wind thread or cable onto a reel.
He spooled the freshly made yarn onto wooden spools.
Bobbin
Part of a spinning wheel where yarn is wound.
The spinner filled the bobbin with newly spun wool.
Spool
A cylinder of wood, plastic, cardboard, or other material on which wire, thread, or string is wound.
Bobbin
A cylinder or cone holding thread in lace making.
Each lace bobbin was carefully threaded for the intricate design.
Spool
The amount of wire, thread, or string wound on such a cylinder.
Bobbin
A bobbin is a spindle or cylinder, with or without flanges, on which wire, yarn, thread or film is wound. Bobbins are typically found in sewing machines, cameras, and within electronic equipment.
Spool
Something similar to such a cylinder in shape or function.
Bobbin
A spool or reel that holds thread or yarn for spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, or making lace.
Spool
A reel for magnetic tape.
Bobbin
Narrow braid formerly used as trimming.
Spool
To wind or be wound on or off a spool.
Bobbin
A spool or cylinder around which wire is coiled.
Spool
To store (data sent to a printer) in a buffer, allowing the program that sent the data to the printer to resume its normal operation.
Bobbin
In a sewing machine, the small spool that holds the lower thread.
Wind the bobbin, place it in the machine, and raise the thread.
Spool
A reel; a device around which thread, wire or cable is wound, especially a cylinder or spindle.
Bobbin
The little rounded piece of wood at the end of a latch string, which is pulled to raise the latch.
Spool
(aviation) One of the rotating assemblies of a gas turbine engine, composed of one or more turbine stages, a shaft, and one or more compressor or fan stages.
The high-pressure spool rotates faster than the intermediate- and low-pressure spools, as the high-pressure turbine is driven by superheated combustion gases straight out of the burners, while the high-pressure compressor has to spin very fast to compress air that has already been compressed and heated by the low- and intermediate-pressure compressors.
Bobbin
(haberdashery) A fine cord or narrow braid.
Spool
(computing) A temporary storage area for electronic mail, etc.
Bobbin
A small pin, or cylinder, formerly of bone, now most commonly of wood, used in the making of pillow lace. Each thread is wound on a separate bobbin which hangs down holding the thread at a slight tension.
Spool
A small swimming pool that can be used also as a spa.
Bobbin
A spool or reel of various material and construction, with a head at one or both ends, and sometimes with a hole bored through its length by which it may be placed on a spindle or pivot. It is used to hold yarn or thread, as in spinning or warping machines, looms, sewing machines, etc.
Spool
To wind on a spool or spools.
Bobbin
The little rounded piece of wood, at the end of a latch string, which is pulled to raise the latch.
Spool
(computing) To send files to a device or a program (a spooler or a daemon that puts them in a queue for processing at a later time).
Bobbin
A fine cord or narrow braid.
Spool
A piece of cane or reed with a knot at each end, or a hollow cylinder of wood with a ridge at each end, used to wind thread or yarn upon.
Bobbin
A cylindrical or spool-shaped coil or insulated wire, usually containing a core of soft iron which becomes magnetic when the wire is traversed by an electrical current.
Spool
To wind on a spool or spools.
Bobbin
A winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
Spool
A winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
Spool
Transfer data intended for a peripheral device (usually a printer) into temporary storage
Spool
Wind onto a spool or a reel
Spool
A reel for holding sewing thread.
She replaced the empty spool on her sewing machine with a new one.
Common Curiosities
What is a bobbin used for?
A bobbin is used to hold the bottom thread in a sewing machine.
Can spools and bobbins be used interchangeably?
No, they are designed for different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Are bobbins universal?
No, bobbins are made to fit specific models and makes of sewing machines.
Do bobbins come pre-wound with thread?
Bobbins can be purchased pre-wound or empty for manual winding.
Can I reuse a spool?
Yes, spools can often be reused for the same or different purposes.
What materials are spools made from?
Spools can be made from wood, plastic, or metal.
What is a spool used for?
A spool is used to hold various materials like thread, wire, or tape.
Can spools be recycled?
Many plastic and metal spools can be recycled, depending on local regulations.
How do I know if a bobbin is compatible with my sewing machine?
Check the sewing machine's manual or manufacturer's specifications for compatible bobbin sizes.
How do I wind a spool?
Wind a spool by rotating it while guiding thread or wire evenly onto it.
Are wooden spools still used?
Wooden spools are less common now but are still used for certain crafts and industrial applications.
Can the size of a bobbin affect sewing?
Yes, using the incorrect bobbin size can cause sewing machine malfunctions.
Do I need a special spool for embroidery machines?
Embroidery machines may require specific spool sizes or types, depending on their design.
Is there a difference between metal and plastic bobbins?
Yes, some sewing machines perform better with metal bobbins, while others are designed for plastic ones.
How is a bobbin inserted into a sewing machine?
A bobbin is placed into a bobbin case and inserted under the needle plate, following the machine's specific instructions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
