Teeny Tatmouse suggests you try the looper technique of hiding your final tails
when ending with a ring.
First of all, though, cut a 12" length of thread from the shuttle thread you'll
be practicing with. Make a ring and work to within the final five double stitches.
Take a separate piece of the same size thread you're using - approx 12" long. Loop
the center of this thread around the shank of your shuttle (over the thread that's
already there) with the two ends going in the same direction as your shuttle thread
(if your shuttle is wound correctly, this will be away from you).
Take these two ends and hold them with your left hand (along with the shuttle thread)
- ready to make the next double stitch. Over the three threads, work the next four
double stitches plus the first half of the last stitch, adjusting the ends to keep
the looper threads at the same length as the shuttle (core) thread.
Release the loop from the shuttle. Work the last half of the last stitch over the
core thread only (not the looper threads). Close the ring. Cut the thread from the
shuttle leaving 4 or 5 inches coming from the ring.
Pull on the ends of the looper until there is about a half inch loop remaining.
Be careful not to pull it all the way through the stitches or you'll be defeating
the purpose. Insert the cut end of the thread coming from the last stitch about
half way through this loop. Don't pull it all the way. Hold the closed ring between
your thumb and index finger of your right hand. Pull on the looper ends with your
left hand until the loop of the looper pulls the end of the thread from the last
stitch right through the final double stitches. You can now discard the looper but
pull the thread 'end' right through the stitches. Trim it off close to the double
stitches.
These last five double stitches may look a little thicker than the others but Teeny
Tatmouse is sure you'll agree it's worth this to have a secure hidden thread end!
WHERE'S MY TAIL?