July 8, 2026
Description
A fairly configurable parametric yarn bobbin/spool model to address many of your storage needs. Just print two end caps and a center shaft, screw them together and off you go. Two main variants have been made: one with an inset end to be compatible with common cardboard spools out there, and one taking less to print and includes a built-in socket to fit my embroidery floss winder.
The pre-exported versions (the .stl and .step files) have been done with 6 spokes for the ends, but that is configurable including a version with no holes at all in the end. The endcap with no spokes has also been exported in the 76mm size (standard and inset) to allow for compatibility with the common cardboard bobbins out there.
The 'Standard' endcaps were designed to be compatible with this winder:
Has been designed with the following print settings in mind:
.28mm layer height
supports enabled (will print with minimal supports)
standard supports
3+ walls
already in their print orientation
I've included .step files because they give smoother results with smaller files as long as your slicer (such as Orca Slicer) supports them. The .stl versions are included for those who need them for their workflows, but are normally of a poorer quality due to tessellation being baked in.
Do not be fooled by the Printable's 3d preview. They recently added support for .step files (nice!), but run their preview conversion at a much lower quality than Orca slicer and its ilk use when opening .step files. So it is still better to use the .step versions if your slicer supports it.
Select a shaft and print two copies of a desired endcap. All endcaps should fit onto all shafts. When selecting, try to pair "inset" shafts with "inset" endcaps, as they have been measured to match.
1x shaft
2x endcap (same type)
The standard (non-inset) endcaps are meant to snap on to the hand winder. The inset ones are replicating the shape of common cardboard bobbins/spools.
Clean up any supports. The threads themselves on both the endcaps and shafts should not have needed any supports. Screw an endcap to either end of the shaft and you're done.
If the threads do not fit tightly and you do not want to tweak and reprint, a small drop of hot-melt glue on the threads just before assembly can help lock them in place while leaving you the option to change things later on. If you are confident and satisfied with things you can use super glue instead.
If using the standard endcaps, you should be able to snap one right onto the hex bolt on the mentioned winder. They also have a common-sized through hole that should allow use with most shafts for bobbins.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
10
joncruz
