How can I reuse or recycle … cotton bobbins?

Reels of cotton on plastic bobbinsMany moons ago, I met the man who had the idea to make cotton bobbins out of plastic rather than wood (since the latter had friction problems apparently). He was quite a wealthy guy by the time I met him so I guess he made some money from the brainwave. But, of course, at what cost? After all, plastic: boo.

I don’t sew as much as I used to so it’s less of a problem but every now and then, I finish a reel of cotton and think back to that guy and his money and resent just throwing the bobbin in the bin.

Any suggestions for re-uses?

(Photo by Morrhigan)

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9 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle … cotton bobbins?”


  1. Lottie says:

    Hi you can recycle the plastic from the bobbins and this plastic can in turn be used to make plastic pencils, rulers and pens which are all evryday items that people use. I work in a shop that sells these items and the kids love them

  2. john says:

    Put a few small seeds or beans in the hole and tape or glue up the ends: instant cat toy.

  3. louisa's mum says:

    cotton reels plus a long shoe/trainer lace can be used as a small childs threading toy

  4. louisa's mum says:

    if you do manage to find a wooden one.hammer 4 small nails into the top and have a go at french knitting.severals web sites giving instuctions

  5. Joan says:

    Put on the ends of garden canes/ sticks to prevent injuries

  6. Anonymous says:

    Tape or cover one end and use the sections to hold needles or pins.

  7. Nigello says:

    Thread them lengthways and use them as a screen to prevent flies getting thru etc to your room. Stick them together in a block for a yoga block? Nigello

  8. Meeeeeee, Davinia says:

    Set your hair with them!!! I need some for my college course, so if anyone wants to send me some empty cotton reels pls contact me…. davish_@msn.com


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  1. How can I reuse or recycle big reels/bobbins? | How can I recycle this? 29 10 09

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