Oh yes there is an end, I have found them after much frustration and sometimes I just cut a thread and used it till the end popped out..I kept scrapping a knife edge very lightly all around the thing till one loosened up.I think I will try the cardboard ones if they actually have a place one can see the starting thread. But don't give up...they are awfully handy to use..I think in the time it took for me to find the end I could have made two skirts instead of the one seam I was trying to finish..