There should be a thread net in with your attachments. Slip it over the spool. It isn't used to prevent the thread from unwinding off the spool, it is used to add a slight bit more tension to the thread. I had terrible thread breaking problems with my Brother machine until I had the 'A HA!' moment. No more thread breaks. You may also want to buy a thread stand. You can get a single spool stand at JoAnne's or Hancock fabrics for less than 10.00. What a thread stand does is give the thread a bit more space to unwind and relax before going through the machine. Hope this helps.