Cut out the bottom portion of a 2 liter "coke" bottle, set over the thread cone and run the thread through the neck! Also tape a safety pin to the end of your machine to run the thread through if you need an additional tension guide.

I have something like this - it is a Christmas bulb hanger.

Thanks for posting this question. I have 12 of the big cones that was my mothers and I had no idea how to use them on my regular sewing machine. Mom did hand sewing and brought the big cones. I hate to waste anything so I have some great ideas from you guys.

You can also put the cone in a large glass or mug. Position it to the back and to the right of your machine. Tape a paperclip on your machine to guide the thread, then thread as usual. What ever you use, make sure it is heavy enough so that it won't tip.

My ex-FIL made one for me 20 years ago. In the mean time you can just wind bobbins and use for the top thread until you can get one. :-D

I found that I can stick a small spool inside the bigger one and use it on the original spindle on the sewing machine....it works great.....just have to stabilize the cone when winding a bobbin, I use my finger....may not be the best fix, but it works and is cheap! :D

Thanks for all your suggestions. Wish I would have known about the 2 liter bottle thing a few hours ago, but DH to the rescue when he got home, he made me this. What a sweetie!

I turn the cone upside down and drop a skinny spool of thread inside the cone, placing both on the machine.