Beading/Spangeling Bobbins

It all depends on whether you're having problems with bobbin holes or bead
holes.  The way I spangle, since I don't like floppy spangles, is to put the
beads on the wire, thread both ends through the bobbin, bring them to the
same side, twist, and press the twist flat against the side of the bobbin.
No beads get double-wired, so I don't have problems with small bead holes.

The Springett way (Springett bobbins have tiny holes) is to run the wire
through the bobbin, thread beads from the bobbin through the main, large,
center bead on one side and thread beads from the bobbin to just short of
the main bead on the other side.  Fold back the end of the wire on the side
lacking the main bead, to make a hook, and pull the wire back so just the
hook protrudes from that bead.  Thread the other end of the wire (the one
with the main bead on it) through the hook and back into the main bead and
out the other side.  Now, while keeping the hook pushed into it's bead with
one fingernail, pull the wire away from the main bead.  This is difficult to
describe without pictures, which is why the Springetts sell a booklet and a
video about how to do it.  What you end up with is the hook and the reversed
wire both buried in the main bead.  There's only one "ply" of wire through
the bobbin this way.

To enlarge a bobbin hole, take a *very* thin drill to it (like with a
Dremel-type rotary tool, or a small, 1-handed drill bit holder).  To enlarge
a bead hole, use a reamer.  Any of these tools should be available at hobby
shops.  Bead catalogues sell reamers.

Robin P



download an print directions from "Lace Recources International"