If you only have the one spool of thread then the sidewinder probably won't be a convenience for you. I have tins full of wound bobbins, thanks to my DGD who loved to wind bobbins for me using the Sidewinder. Everytime we went to Walmart she bought several package of the metal bobbins to fill. I use them for hand sewing, applique, and give them to guild members who use those bobbins. It was worth every penny to me to have her in my sewing room helping up a storm. :-D