I bought several of these large cones of fabric, then purchased a metal thingamajig that had a heavy metal base, a spool for holding the spool of thread, hen a taller metal "dowel" with a hook at the end. I've had great success with this. Sorry I can't remember the name, but I'm sure Nancy's Notions or other catalogs, or sewing machine dealer would have these. It wasn't that expensive and it really keeps the thread from tangling. That is unless TJ the kitty walks behind the machine, but she doesn't do that often.