My machine actually stops when it gets close to running out. I can get a few more stitches out of it at that point but the last string is only about 2" - not much waste at all. (My Pfaff still had many FEET of thread). So I'm happy that my machine is frugal.
What makes me happy, is when the HSTs fit together - I HATE cut-off points. Getting them perfect is such a rare event - heavy sigh!