Which way does the spool go?
 

If the thread is cross-wound on the spool, do I put ot on the machine vertically or horizontally?
Thanks

I've always been told that cross-wound spools go horizontally and even wound spools are vertical.

Yup, that's how I do it anyway. :)

Yeah but you know ... I don't know the last time I had a vertical pin on a machine that was convenient to use. LOL

I didn't even know there was a rule!

I found an article on this subject that might help you. The fifth paragraph down (under the pictures of the spools of thread) should be of particular interest to you. :)

Why/how does it make a difference?

If a machine has one holder, is the machine that fussy about it?

I do know that it matters which way the thread comes off a bobbin.

When I read the initial post I thought...I haven't used the horizontal pin since I got my Babylock. Or on any machine I currently own. No matter which spool I use, the thread just glides off when I use my thread stands. I store extra wound bobbins for whatever I am working on on the horizontal pin. And honestly, I don't remember if I ever took out the vertical pin from the bag it came in when I bought any of the machines.
I may have simply kept up the habit after using older machines that did not have the horizontal pin.

Hold the thread spool in your left hand.
Pull a 12-14" or so length of thread off the spool with your right hand.
Continue holding the thread end in your right hand as you place the thread against the side of the spool.
It will wrap around itself if the spool's wrong end is UP.
Just reverse the spool and put it on the spindle. :)

Jan in VA