I use nets from the flower shops. Their flowers all have a netting over them to keep them from getting damaged during shipment. These are usually around 4-8 inches long made out of a plastic and can be cut without raveling so you can make them the size you need for the spool in question. Most times the floral shops throw them out so they'll give them to you free or have in the past for me. I started out with socks that would eventually unravel in time so as they go bad on me I replace them with the floral nets. Free is good!!!!