Those Pesky Notches on Thread Spools
 

Has anyone found a solution to dealing with those little notches on conventional spools of thread? First off, it's so hard to get the thread out of the notch on a new spool. Tweezers won't work and if I can get it going with my teeth, I end up trying to cut the opening larger to get it out. Then there's the issue of the thread catching in it ... even if you put the notched side down. I know one solution is to use better thread that doesn't come on these spools, but plain old polyester is what I use for the items I make for sale and I often go through three spools in a day -- and that means three frustrating starts.

No, and I'm hoping someone else has!

I used an old metal emery board on it...but, I buy Dual Duty in a cone from Home-Sew...6000yds. for about $25. Comes in white, black and natural. Either use it on an industrial thread stand (only the ones with the metal base) or put it into an old coffee mug or mason jar behind the machine.

That is what the larger spool holder that comes with the machine is for.

*DING * DING * DING * We have a winner!
I had a wonderful old thread stand that I got at an estate sale years ago, but that stinky Hurricane Sandy stole it from me! Still hunting for one, but in the meanwhile, I do have a coffee cup!

Didn't come with mine.

I'm thinking you could probably seal up the slit with something like clear nail polish, nail acrylic, epoxy, bathtub sealant, etc.

That's what spool caps are for. My Pfaff 2170 came with 2 sizes, even the Imagine serger had them. If your machine is set up for cone thread, you might not get any but can probably find some to fit the spool holder.
Here's a picture of some:
http://www.sew4less.com/category/51/..._and_Spool_Pin
You might have a dealer closer that you can purchase from.

What thread brand still uses the notched spool? None of my spools are notched.

I use a pin to pull the thread out of the notch - after I find which end itt is on.

Glad I could help...That Sandy took too much from you, girl....especially when it messes with your quilting. I'll keep an eye out for an old thread stand when out hunting for goodies...

Have you checked out Essential Cotton cones from Connecting Threads? $9.99 for 5,000 yards, and that's when they're not on sale (they do go on sale frequently). I like it better than Dual Duty thread - seems to have less lint (although all cotton threads have some lint) and comes in a huge variety of colors.

Anything that I pick up at WalMart has the notched spool. I like using the better thread too but sometimes I don't want to wait for an order to come in the mail and I don't have a quilt shop that's very handy

I turn the spool upside-down so the notch is on the bottom. That way the thread never unwinds up into it.

Same here. I really don't have a problem undoing the thread from the notch. Just use a pin to undoit!!

I have that trouble once in a while. Usually put the notch end toward the machine end. It is a pain in the neck!

I put the notch on the bottom of the spool pin as well and don't seem to have an issue. I also normally use my horizontal pin. Getting that buggery little thread out of the notch really can be a pain. Most times the tweezers do the job but I've been known to use heavier duty tools as well. Unless it's a really bad day and I throw the spool across the room or into the trash!

Try putting the notch toward the side of the machine.

Suggestion: look on website WAWAK.....I think you could get that thread a lot cheaper . Not affiliated, but I shop there.......

www.Purplemoosedesigns.com has a metal based thread stand for $7.95. (Look under "Thread" link, then go to stands link). I bought one from them a few years back. Good and heavy and well worth the money. Hope this helps.

Anita

I have some good quality thread that has those notches. It's not all cheap thread that has them. They are a pain. I've been buying the large cones for the last two years and it's so nice I don't have to mess with that. But when I applique, I have to and I hate it. I never thought of a pin. That's a good idea! Thanks!

Signature does. I think I have some coats and clark that do as well, most other brands don't. Those are the only 2 brands I know off

I'm with Bearisgray I use A pin to hook out of slit. I use small spools of different colours for appliqué. Madeira rayon is one and I have more problems putting the tail end into the slot around the spool to stop unwinding when storing.

Mark that pesky notch with a permanent pen and then be sure you have it AWAY from the spool cap on the machine. Once I get the thread out of the notch, I never use it again but use a little kids pony tail holder around the spool to secure the end.

I file them down with an emery board. Works every time.

You can buy the metal thread holder at Connecting Threads or Annie's.

Thanks for all the terrific suggestions. The spool holder on Purple Moose looked good and I might get one. The one I had previously was attached to my table with a vise grip and was quite large. I used it to pop on large spools of lace for my business sewing. But I think that this could be a good suggestion for my embroidery machine as well so I can use larger spools.
The companies I know that still have notches are Coats and Clark, American Quilting Thread and Walmart. I also buy tons of thread at estate sales -- you can't beat getting a grocery bag full for $5. It lessens the annoyance of those pesky notches.

The spools that I have seen with notches usually have the new thread end under the paper label at end. A pin easily lifts enough of that paper label to get a hold of the thread. Then when I put the spool away, I always put the thread end back into the notch. It is there to keep the thread from unwinding in storage, and it works.

Most times, it is hard to see the notch to get the thread back into it. So I mark a tiny line on both sides of the notch with a black permanent marker. Works like a charm to find the notch.

I checked this out -- unfortunately with postage it came to almost $20!!! Somewhere I read that you could also use a grated cheese or sugar dispenser -- the glass kind with the metal top that has a hole in the middle like you used to see in diners -- which will also work for holding cones.

After I get the tread started I put a small piece of painter tape over the notch, stops thee tread hanging up. it's nott just cheap thread that this happens with.

I always used a finger nail in that tiny slit to open it up a tad bit. Lift the paper off the end of the spool and the end of the thread is easier to get ahold of with fingernails or tweezers. Spools have been around for a long time--the new threads not so long. then just be sure to set the spool with the notch down or away from the direction of the thread coming off the spool. Just another small thing to learn, or you could buy cone thread.
Phyllis
84yrs in Oregon
72 yrs quilting

JoAnn's will occasionally have them as well. Just search metal thread stand or holder on a search engine to get multiple sources. Here is one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Single-Cone-Th.../dp/B0038RJE2M

if getting one of those standing thread stands, get one with a heavy base. I finally found one online. tossed my light weight one. well probably put it in my charity stuff.

Just this week I had to use the emery board to file one down. It works great. Ebay has spool stands reasonable. Looking to get one myself soon.

I don't buy any Coats and Clark thread anymore (the only one I know with notches still) I buy thread that has a lock cap on it, or big spools. But if you use the big thread cap that came with your machine the thread unwinds out from the spool rather than up off the spool. And always be sure the notch is on the opposite end of the side you thread into the machine.

I find a crochet hook with a tiny hook a very versatile tool. I use it to get new spool thread started. I use it to tear out seams by sliding the hook under the stitched thread and pulling it out, then I have a tail that I can pull. (I tend to get a little rambunctious with a seam ripper and routinely end up gouging the fabric.) I use the crochet hook to pull the threads out from under the presser foot after threading the needle....

dunster I have a terrible time with Essential thread with a lot of lint. It starts showing up on my needle after about 20 minutes of sewing, maybe I got a bad batch but when this is all gone I wont be buying Essential again.:(

I will have to add an exacto knife to my gadgets cup. Thanks for the idea!

KalamaQuilts, I have a few of the threads with the lock cap on it, I guess I'm not to intelligent as I can't figure out how it works. Could you give me the details. Thanking you in advance for your help if you can.