I love, love my Sidewinder. I thread about 12 bobbins at a time so I am always ready to go. I put something behind/under the lid to steady it. I always follow the directions of the arrows. I leave a long tail when I start to wind and then let go after it starts winding. Sometimes I have to keep my finger above the spool so it doesn't fly off. I guess this sounds complicated but it really isn't. I would hate to give it up.