Bobbin winder, range of sizes

Winding a bobbin using a quill

Learning to wind quills correctly takes concentration and skill, but it is well worth the effort. This vintage MiniMovie is one of the first little films Becky ever made, many years ago.

(This movie is silent.)

Place a quill on the bobbin winder and wind the yarn over itself a little to get started. Grasp the yarn firmly between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand then rest your left arm comfortably on the table. Turn the crank of the bobbin winder clockwise. Move your left hand slowly toward one end of the quill as you wind until you reach within 1/2" of the end of the quill. Reverse direction until you reach within 1/2" of the quill on the other end as well. Keep reversing direction in this manner, turning back just a little farther from the ends of the quill each time. Pull a loop through the last wind to secure the end.