Martina, thank you for the tips. The first time I used the thread I had it on my slanted spool holder and it unwound all over the place so the instructor showed me what that little "peg" accessory was for and I have used it since then on the upright peg. It was only today that it started having trouble with the upright peg as well. So you say I should try putting it in a small jar behind the machine--interesting.