If it is the size of the large spools / cones available from Connecting Threads like this http://www.connectingthreads.com/thr...__L600905.html

mine works perfectly well on the thread pin but I put a skinny spool like a sulky on it first and fit the large opened cone on top of it ,,

voila nothing special. Oh and I put a piece of flannel with hole in it on the thread pin under the spools of thread. I do that for all my spools no matter the size, it seems to make the spool spin better.

Mason jars, mason jars, mason jars. Most of the large spools fit in Mason Jars. I take the top off, take it apart, put the ring back on, insert the cone/larger spool of thread and off I go.

Here's a recent thread

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-123693-1.htm

My machine has a separate bobbin winding capability which is great as I am able to add a spool of thread and wind a bobbin while I continue to sew as in no un threading and re threading all the time. The machine my parents bought me for Christmas last year though does not have the automatic bobbin winding so has to be done the regular way, un thread wind the bobbin and then rethread. So silly of Janome to make a better machine in one respect but then not keep this aspect of it.

Maybe1day

I have two plastic cone stands from Joann's, and a heavy-duty metal one (like one pictured above - don't remember where I got it). I have been using cone thread for years for sewing everything and for embroidery (if the color fits my needs) - I don't do embroidery for competitions. I have had very good luck with it. There was twice (over the years) when I had a cone where someone had knotted the thread somewhere in the winding (at the factory) and that broke, but other than that - have had beautiful luck with cone thread for everything. Love it and its prices.

Marysewfun

I use a 2 quart wide mouth mason jar to put the thread in and sit it behind my sewing machine. I twist (just once) the thread around the spool holder where a normal size spool would be sitting. I have numerous sewing machines and find that it works better on some than others - just have to test before sewing to much.

I only use cones of thread. Don't buy serger thread however. My Janome 6600 has a holder that accommodates cones, but otherwise on other machines I use a metal base thread stand. I got mine from superiorthreads.com and I use their thread all the time (So Fine). Cones are much more economical. However, if I need a colored thread which is rare, I do buy Coats and Clark or Gutterman at Joanns. I usually just stick with the neutrals on the cones.

I have three handmade cone holders, thanks to my crafty husband. I like the one shown by my Janome 9000 machine the best but they all work fine.

You can probably get this at JoAnns. It is a plastic base where the spool sits toward the back of the machine. It has a metal wire that is around a foot high with a hook on the end of it and this is where you feed your thread thru. This is just above your machine and works very well. I have one on each machine. You can also find this notion in some of the sewinfg catalogs. I'm pretty sure Nancy's notions has them too, or also Clotildes. Good luck!

Yes, you sure can. I have a Pfaff Varimatic 6085 and I bought a cone holder, spent way too much on it, and it works like a dream. Some day I'll learn, but I doubt it. I have gotten some terrific deals on the large spools so I guess I made up for the fancy dancy spool holder.

Now that is the very best I've seen! Way to go. Does your hubby make housecalls?
Betty

I'm glad this question was asked to. I have always thought that with certain colors it might be more economical to purchase the cones but I thought they were for sergers. Now I know you can adapt them for a regular machine. Thanks for asking and thanks for the replys.

Just showed my husband what your husband made for you and he is going to make one for me. Thank you so much for a great idea and for sharing.

Plenty of creative ideas being posted. Wow! :-D

I use a quart jar that is right next to my machine. Works wonderfully!

Use your Joann's coupon and get yourself an inexpensive thread cone holder. You will be glad you did.

Greetings fellow Canadian, Looks like you've gotten plenty of good advice. I use the big cones all the time, the advantage being mostly is that you get a better price on thread, rather than buying umpteen small spools of thread. Especially for piecework where you are usually using a neutral taupe or grey. Buy yourself a weighted metal cone stand, and before you start your piecework, fill 3 or 4 bobbins, and you are probably good to go through your whole quilt top. Take care, Auntie B from Saskatchewan, Canada.

I taped a safety pin to the side of my sewing machine for a thread guide and just set the huge spool of thread right next to the machine....it works just great and didn't take any money or time to do. Good luck. I love using the huge spools of thread.

I just got some huge spools of thread off EBAY that cost 6.95 plus shipping. She sent 3 in a flat rate box for 4.95. I think I will order from her again. the spools are big enough and heavy to stand by themselves and I have never run across any cheap thread as in not good to sew with. I find that it costs less for them than all the small spools you buy at $2 for very little. I also buy the cones at Joann's when they are on sale for 5 for 10.00. I get some neutral colors that I don't have. I think I am almost set for life, except I have donated some to the kids in AL. Also sent some to some others that needed something.

My daughter brought me about twenty spools of the big thread, and the adapter I made for my 1960 singer machine worked fine. Howere the new machine I brought don't have a spindel long enough to fit. I brought the plastic thread holder from Joanns, and of course was put off by its light weigth and inability to stand up when I'm winding bobbins. I thought about it and it was as simple as velcro dots for general use. Two grippers behind where my machines set, and two loops on the stand. Because the thread goes up through the bend it works for all three types of home machines made in the years 1955, 2000, and 2007. There are also the steel spool trees, use on industrial sewing machines, like the one sitting in my basement doing nothing, but it was too tall for my home machines. You can get them on line. From what I have seen in advertisment of machine for quilters, they are getting pretty high, and one of them might work.

flowerjoy--hope you find this answer and it's not a repeat. singer made a machine in the late '60's, early '70's that could rewind the bobbin while it was in the machine. the bobbins were pretty flat and the top was wider than the bottom, as i recall. hope this helps you.

Invest in extra bobbins and wind 4 at a time for each of your large spools. And if you use shades of grey, you can use these with just about any fabric you have because they end up just looking like shadows not stitches. A lighter grey with lights to a deep pewter gray for really dark fabrics. Charlie

I use a paper towel holder and place it on the floor or on a nearb y table. Works great. Cones last longer and thread is just as good if not better. I use regular spools of thread for bobbins.

The only dumb question is the one not asked. In some quilt or quilt supply and in Clothildes catalog you can find a thing(Thread holder?) that sit on the table behind your sewing machine,it is about 15 inches tall and can be made of wood or a heavy wire . It goes straight up then has a hook on the top. You set the large spool on it and the thread comes off the spool, over the hook and will feed to your machine. The thread we buy where we get material,Hancocks, Joannes,Hobby Lobby. The cost varies but usually about 20.00.

Instead of buying an adapter I use an old hand towel holder - tall, 3 prong, heavy on the bottom for stability, that was designed for bathroom counter. The thread pulls straight up off the large spool, loops loosely over the top rung, and into the thread guide at top of machine. But some other "thing" that can guide the thread up high enough to feed into guide would work.

I have been using this for a couple of years and it is terrific. Dritz(R) Cone Thread Holder
Have a Blessed night
Ellen

I have not bought the big cones because I have heard they are 100% poly or serger 2 ply thread and i only use cotton thread and 3-4ply thread for quilting am I doing something wrong

These can be used on regular sewing machine. You might need a free standing stand to support the thread. However, they are normally use for sergers and are a weaker weight of thread. I use mine for the bobbin thread and regular thread for the top of the machine.

Another way is to fit a regular spool up inside the cone and then set it on the spindle on your sewing machine. I do this when I am sewing where my cone holders are NOT! I also use the cone holders which work extremely well.

I have used a mason jar as well.

So did I! For my basic piecing I only use the large spools, waaaaayyyyy cheaper. I usually get ecru and gray and must admit to having white and a cream also. :thumbup:

I've used serger thread many times in quilts, but regular thread for quilting.
Most of my big cones are embroidery thread and I never use those for quilts.
Syl

I have used a thread stand which works well. i have also used a fizzy drinks bottle. I cut the base end of put this over the spool of thread and then threaded the thread through where the cap goes. I cut the bottle to the height I want. I originally did this as a cover for a large reel of cream thread to keep it clean. It worked well.

I have a wonderful big cone thread holder that is made by a family owned business in WVA--I have no affiliation with the makers. I highly recommend this product and it is about $5.00 more than the cheap plastic ones you buy at the mega sewing stores. These are made from oak--quite sturdy. About 10 quilters in my stitch group have purchased one and we all love it.
Info: It's Sew Neat Company
304-693-7192
The website it not working at this time (just checked). Tell them the quilters from Madison, AL recommended them.

Most definitely! Hubby made me a thread stand from a block of wood and a wire coat hanger . I just sit the cone of thread on the wood at the top of the wire coat hanger he straightened out he put a little circle that you run the thread thru and over to the machine ,thread your machine as if you had it on your machine .Hope I described it good enough for all to understand.

Just saw the cone stands at Joann's today and they are 6.99.

to MTS
I have one of these adopters and they work great.I dont buy small spools any more.

Got mine at Hancock's , $5.99 and its works great. Plastic but that's ok..

I purchased something at a yard sale yesterday that's used for holding big spools. A block of wood with a metal stem and threader at the top. Cost me $1.00. Hopefully it will work.

Now, if we can only find something larger for the bobbin!

I have the Dritz cone holder for one machine. On another machine I use a pint wide mouth canning jar to hold the cone and thread it thru the non pin end (little circle) of a safety pin tape-ed to the back right top of sewing machine. Then thread as normal. Hope this makes sense.....