Nikki, depending on the type thread you are using, there may a way to lock the thread on the end of the spool. Check your Superior thread spools like King Tut, Bottom Line, Razzle Dazzle and MasterPiece. The end caps on them will snap off and you can lay the end of your thread over it and snap the end cap back on to hold it in place. Some of the other threads like Mettler have a place at one end of the spool to just slide your thread into. I wish all manufacturers would do stuff like that!