This handy bobbin case zips can double up to also hold books, threads etc as well as all the bobbins, ideal for classes.
I use a tapestry weight fabric for the outside, one or two layers of microfibre or polar fleece for the padding, a plain cotton which will show off the bobbins and thread, and fancy fabric sleeve strips.
The outside fabric is 70 x 42 cm. All the other layers are all cut 2 to 3 cm larger to allow for trimming. The zip needs to be min 80 cm to allow for turning in the open end at the top, and to have enough to sew a tab on at the join. A longer zip could, if you wish, continue along the top seam and completely seal the case. A 1/4 inch seam allowance is standard.
Turn sleeve strips right side inwards and sew 1/4 inch seam along the length. Iron seam flat. Turn inside out. Press. Sew 1/8 inch seam along both long edges for strength.
Place the fleece layer between 2 cotton layers, only one layer will be visible so you can use any old cotton on the reverse.
Find the center line of the cotton/fleece/cotton layer. Work outwards from the center and place strips 8cm, 10cm and 8cm apart. Pin each end and along the strips. It is important that these do not move about.
Sew 1/4 inch line around the outer edges including the strips. To avoid bunching, use a walking foot on the sewing machine. If you don't have one, add more pins and watch the layers don’t creep.
Start at one edge and sew the sleeves with a 2cm spacing to fit Midlands spangled bobbins in pairs. Test your bobbins and adjust if needed. For my Rosaline bobbins, a 2.5cm sleeve fitted each bobbin.
Start the top sleeve with a small stitch. Sew the reverse and forward starting stitches, and a locking reverse stitch at the lower edge. Lift the needle and repeat on next sleeve strip down. The thread is not cut until the bottom of the 4th strip is sewn. Trim before moving back to the top to sew the next four sleeves. You can sew the 2cm all the way down without stopping between sleeve strips if you wish.
Place the zip around the edges. Snip the zip fabric a little at the curve to help it bend. Cut a little curve around the bottom two corners to help the zip go around. Test out the zip! It should meet at the same place at the top corners, if not, repin and test again. When sewing, make sure the zip doesn’t creep.
Use 1/4 inch away from the teeth to sew the zip to the ‘quilt’.
Place the top fabric (double check this is the right way around) face to face with the sleeve side of the quilt. Leave a 20 cm gap along the top, non zipped edge for turning it inside out. Sew all the way around with a 1/8 inch seam allowance on the zip, 1/4 along the top edge.
Turn inside out. Check the zip closes nicely. Sew the top open edge close.
Use ribbon or make two handles from the same fabric to make the handles.
The case can be used fully open, or if space is at a premium, fold in a zig zag manner to expose each strip of bobbins as you need them.
I organize my cases with full bobbins at the top, with the left over and gimp threads at the bottom.
I have used these cases full of bobbins to also add books, threads, fold flat baskets etc for travel.
