http://www.superiorthreads.com/video...livery-system/
Bob Purcell does a great job explaining cross wound spools on vertical pins. the only thing I like to mention is that THEIR thread is all stack wound on a spool and cross wound on cones, but a lot of thread from other companies comes on spools and is cross wound. So bear that in mind when trying to apply this to your own machines.
I have been using a thread stand like the one that Superior sells for a couple of years. All of my thread goes on it, except for the Pfaff and the long arm. agree with MacyBaby as to what's likely happening. I've seen that loop she spoke of on the embroidery machine. Saw it, couldn't get to it in time.