On hand work, take a damp sponge and run the thread through it and always work with short length.
On the sewing machine, I always use a Hortizon thread holder at the back of the machine. You have to remember that when you take the thread off the top of a spool, it will want to curl and that is what causes the problems. Also, never buy cheap metallic thread, always use a large eye needle and sew slow, top tension loosen at least 1 to 2 #.
I use it in my serger and have done a lot of thread painting and never had problems. But, you just can't go fast. Change needles often.