How to use a thread net?
 

I know it's so simple, I'm going to kick myself..but I have to ask! Do you thread the thread through one of the holes in the net so it feeds out from the side, or does it come from under the net on the top or bottom?
And..while I'm at it..does it matter if you're using a vertical or horizontal spool set up how you let the thread feed?
These looked so simple till I actually thought about it! LOL

First, it doesn't matter if you load your spool horizontal or vertical. If you use it horizontally, you should have a "cap" that holds it on to the spool holder. I have never seen anyone place the thread through the holes in the net, but I guess you could. Would take extra time when changing threads (I machine embroider and sometimes change thread colors 27 times in one design, so no, I would not do that). Just place the spool inside the net, then load the spool onto the spool holder with the net sort of tucked under the spool (add the cap if you use one) and then the top of the net will sort of close around the top of the spool and cap. Just thread the machine as usual, the net is flexible and will keep the thread evenly flowing and reduce the pooling at the bottom of the spool (if it is vertical). I don't always use them, but sometimes they do help keep everything moving smoothly, and sometimes I stop and wonder why haven't I used a net?!

You're making this harder than it needs to be. Stick the net thru the center of the spool then bring the rest over the outside of the spool. Thread can very easily be pulled out just as if there were no covering.
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I can't imagine that feeding the thread through the net holes would work very well. I mostly use the net for embroidery thread or any thread that easily puddles off the spool. I should probably use it more often, also.

I'm curious - why do you stick the net through the center of the spool? I just cut them to the right length and pull them over the spool. Is there a reason for going through the center? The reason I ask is that I use nets a lot with the longarm, and with the longarm bobbin winder, and sometimes the net starts moving off the spool due to the high speeds at which the thread is moving. I'm wondering if cutting them a bit longer and tucking them into the spool as you suggest would help.

You are using a thread net on a cone, right? Typically the cone is placed behind the sewing machine (I place mine in a small jar, but you can use a cone holder too), not on a spool pin, and the thread comes up through the center of the net. The cone is placed even with the bed of the machine; it is not placed on top of the machine.

If you are using a thread net on a regular spool of thread, I don't know; I have never used one that way.

In terms of whether you use a horizontal or vertical spool pin for spools of thread, it really depends on how the spool is wound. U.S. made spools of thread typically should be placed on a vertical pin. European brands of thread are wound differently, and these are the ones that feed better when they are mounted on a horizontal pin. That is why a lot of the newer sewing machines give you the option. However, I have to say I have used European brands of thread on a vertical pin on my Bernina 1230 without problems. It may depend on the specific application; I don't do anything really fancy with my machine.

Thanks all..I've got it now! And yes..I knew I was overthinking it..but the more I thought about it, the more confused I made myself! I googled it and was surprised that I couldn't find a single pic of a thread net actually in use..I really didn't want to post this question! Thanks again!

The problem I have with using a net is that the thread gets caught on the ends of the net. How do you avoid this??

I haven't experienced this problem.

Is your cone sitting even with the sewing machine bed like mine? My thread comes out of the center of the cone and pretty much straight up into the hole in an outrigger (basically a rod with a hole in one end that fits over the spool pin, and a hole in the other end through which the thread is run). This is all before the thread enters the regular threading path on top of the machine. If you are not using an outrigger or a cone thread holder, both of which basically hold the thread up in the air above the cone before it threads into the machine, that might be the cause of your problem.

Don't feel funny. At least you got it. I still don't get it. I'm using a regular size spool of Sulky thread, about as big around as my thumb. When I slip the net over it, the thread gets caught on the ends of the net. What am I not getting????