This is what I use for a thread stand when I sew away from home. I use the coffee mug trick, but I also use a ruler with holes and a clothespin. Clothespin the ruler just inside the mug. Thread your thread thru the top hole and then toyour machine. Sometimes I have to move the mug around to get the thread to come off the spool the way I like. Hope this helps! (sorry about the picture!nI had a hard time getting a good shot..then my tablet died and I had to plug it in! So much for finding a decent spot for a picture! HA!)