LITTLEOLDME

After I get the tread started I put a small piece of painter tape over the notch, stops thee tread hanging up. it's nott just cheap thread that this happens with.

phyllis 81 yrs in Oregon

I always used a finger nail in that tiny slit to open it up a tad bit. Lift the paper off the end of the spool and the end of the thread is easier to get ahold of with fingernails or tweezers. Spools have been around for a long time--the new threads not so long. then just be sure to set the spool with the notch down or away from the direction of the thread coming off the spool. Just another small thing to learn, or you could buy cone thread.
Phyllis
84yrs in Oregon
72 yrs quilting

caspharm

JoAnn's will occasionally have them as well. Just search metal thread stand or holder on a search engine to get multiple sources. Here is one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Single-Cone-Th.../dp/B0038RJE2M

nativetexan

if getting one of those standing thread stands, get one with a heavy base. I finally found one online. tossed my light weight one. well probably put it in my charity stuff.

Momo

Just this week I had to use the emery board to file one down. It works great. Ebay has spool stands reasonable. Looking to get one myself soon.

KalamaQuilts

I don't buy any Coats and Clark thread anymore (the only one I know with notches still) I buy thread that has a lock cap on it, or big spools. But if you use the big thread cap that came with your machine the thread unwinds out from the spool rather than up off the spool. And always be sure the notch is on the opposite end of the side you thread into the machine.

LesterLou202

I find a crochet hook with a tiny hook a very versatile tool. I use it to get new spool thread started. I use it to tear out seams by sliding the hook under the stitched thread and pulling it out, then I have a tail that I can pull. (I tend to get a little rambunctious with a seam ripper and routinely end up gouging the fabric.) I use the crochet hook to pull the threads out from under the presser foot after threading the needle....

oldtisme

dunster I have a terrible time with Essential thread with a lot of lint. It starts showing up on my needle after about 20 minutes of sewing, maybe I got a bad batch but when this is all gone I wont be buying Essential again.

JanieH

I will have to add an exacto knife to my gadgets cup. Thanks for the idea!

oldtisme

KalamaQuilts, I have a few of the threads with the lock cap on it, I guess I'm not to intelligent as I can't figure out how it works. Could you give me the details. Thanking you in advance for your help if you can.