Go to your local florist, even your grocery store if they have a florist inside and ask them to save you all the flower nets. They normally just throw them away and most are twice the length you need for the 1,100 yd spools. I cut mine in half and put them over each one of the spools. The larger spools I use a full one but I think I cut that down a couple of inches to fit. I have a drawer full of these nets and their plastic so they don't unravel in time as the ones made of thread. I have both and the threaded type get out of shape after time, the plastic ones don't seem to.

I use the little terrycloth type stretch hair donuts that you can get at the $ store.

I use the self grip medical tape, that kind they use when they take blood. It sticks to it's self and doesn't leave a residue when removed. I can even reuse it sometimes, IF I don't get it to tangled up. But, it's easy to use, not expensive and comes in different widths.

i also use the small ponytail holders

You can buy that cling wrap( for food)press n seal......on a roll...take an exacto knife and cut off an inch from the end, then use it to secure your thread..an inch of that lasts forever, an entire roll will outlive you!

I have mine stored in a plastic container meant for this so no problem. Others I have stored on a thread rack but don't have a problem.

I also use the baby sized pony holders for the thread & for the bobbins. Cost $1.00 for a bunch of them at the dollar stores. They work great

I also get the nets from the florist shop in my local grocery store. I have a bunch of these nets as you can cut them to the size you need. One net may give you enough for 4/5 spools. I usually cut them about 1-1 1/2 wide so I don't obstruct the thread color but it will hold the thread tail. It' quick and easy and free!

I had the same problem so I use a small exacto knife and just put a small 'slit' on bottom of plastic spool. I then can just grab the end of the thread and pull it into the slit. Works great!