Abstract: Method of winding a strip of material includes providing a reel having a first flange and a second flange, with a core disposed between the first and second flanges. A cross groove is provided in the core, the cross groove being configured for receiving a strip of material therein. A strip of material is then provided in the cross groove. The strip of material may be a strip of the type having a plurality of wires disposed adjacent to each other. The plurality of wires may be glued together. One or more pegs may be provided to connect the first flange to the second flange. A tube may be provided in order to receive the peg. A spool of such wound strip material includes first and second flanges spaced apart by a core. A cross groove provided in the core receives a leading end of a strip of material.