If you don't want to buy a stand you can simply sit the cone in a large coffee cup (or jar) and tape a large paper clip to the top edge of the machine. Run the thread thru the paper clip and then you can thread as usual. I have a small square bit of wood that I have screwed a dowel into and attached a cup hook to the top. I attach this to my table with a clamp. This allows me to remove it and take it with me to classes or retreats to use with any machine.