A thread guide device for use with sewing and embroidering machines is adjustable to accommodate a variety of differently dimensioned thread spools or cones and is adapted for use with machines having a horizontally disposed thread spool support rod. The thread guide device includes a base having a support rod for supporting a spool or cone of thread on a rotor journalled for rotation on the support rod and dimensioned for insertion into the core of a spool or cone of thread. The rotor has a tapered end portion for accommodating spools or cones of different sizes. A wire loop thread guide secured to the base and mounted for selective lateral adjustment relative to the support rod has a first portion disposed within a slot of a slotted arm and a second portion provided with a coil wrapped around the slotted arm. A set screw secures a tapered retaining cap having a central axial aperture receiving the support rod to the support rod. A free floating thread retaining ring placed over an upper portion of a core of a thread spool or cone, allowing thread to be fed between the retaining ring and the core. A support ball mounted in an adjusted position along on the support rod by a set screw limits off-center movement of a thread spool or cone. The thread guide may be mounted on a ball having a cylindrical aperture slidably receiving the adjustment rod therethrough, such that the thread guide is selectively and independently adjustable in two perpendicular linear directions and also mounted for selective and independent adjustment around a first axis of rotation and a second perpendicular axis of rotation.