If you look at the label on the top of the spool of thread, you can generally find where the thread was brought through a small slit in the top of the spool, covered by the label. I take a needle or pin, then pull the thread out,although sometimes it can be on the bottom of the spool, you just have to check. Don't worry, sometimes it's not always easy to find, I find that especially true as I get older and it's harder to see the thread, but that's how I do it. Hope this helps.