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Bobbin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bobbin

[หˆbษ’bษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sewing tool

A bobbin is a small cylindrical object that is used in sewing to hold the thread. It typically fits into a sewing machine or can be used with hand-sewing techniques. The bobbin helps create stitches by providing a source of thread from beneath the fabric. There are various types of bobbins, each designed for specific sewing machines or applications.

Synonyms

reel, spool.

Examples of usage

  • I need to replace the bobbin on my sewing machine.
  • She wound the thread onto the bobbin carefully.
  • The machine is jammed because the bobbin is stuck.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • Bobbin lace, a form of lace-making that started in the 16th century, involves twisting threads around bobbins to create intricate patterns.
  • During the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the bobbin significantly improved textile production, allowing machines to wind thread automatically.
  • In the 19th century, bobbins were often made from wood, bone, or metal, but today they can be made from plastic or other materials.

Manufacturing

  • In textile manufacturing, bobbins help feed thread into sewing machines, ensuring a steady supply for stitching.
  • Modern sewing machines often come with multiple bobbins to accommodate different thread colors and types, making projects more versatile.
  • Bobbin technology has evolved to include features like automatic threading systems, enhancing efficiency in production.

Pop Culture

  • In the animated film 'Coraline', the character uses a sewing technique that involves bobbins and emphasizes the art of crafting.
  • Bobbin lace has been featured in various fashion shows, showcasing its intricate designs, which connect to the wider textile arts.
  • Sewing and crafting groups often use the term 'bobbin' affectionately, making it a popular word among enthusiasts in social media communities.

Education

  • Learning to manage a bobbin is one of the first steps in sewing education, teaching beginners about tension and threading.
  • Several schools and crafting workshops offer courses specifically on sewing techniques where the importance of bobbins is highlighted.
  • Using a bobbin correctly fosters fine motor skills in children, as they learn to coordinate their hands while sewing.

Origin of 'bobbin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bobbin' comes from Middle English 'bobin,' which referred to a small round object or spool.
  • The term has origins in various languages, including the Old French word 'bobine', meaning a reel or spool.
  • It's believed that the word may relate to the phrase 'to bob' which means to move up and down, reflecting the action of the thread on the bobbin.

The term 'bobbin' comes from the Middle English word 'bobene', which is a diminutive form derived from 'bob', meaning a small or short item. The evolution of the word is linked to the craft of textiles and sewing, dating back to the medieval period when bobbins were primarily made of wood and used for winding thread. As sewing technology developed, the bobbin became an integral component of sewing machines in the 19th century, revolutionizing the way textiles were made. The different designs and materials used in modern bobbins, such as metal and plastic, have made the term more widely recognized in both amateur and industrial sewing contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,850, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.