If you are tatting a pattern where the last ring joins back to the first ring made, then plan ahead by preparing the initial ring to hide the ends by means of helping loops. These loops may be thread that is smaller than that being tatted or, use a monofilament thread, such as invisible sewing thread or fishing line. Use two pieces each about 6" in length. Fold in half and tape ends together. The loops will be inserted into the tatting so that one loop hangs down on each side of the ring with the loop at the bottom and the ends toward the center of the ring. Overtat the helping loops. At about the midpoint of the ring switch to the second helping loop.

Close ring very carefully and secure the hanging loops with tape or clamps so that they will not come out of place while you tat the length required. When finished attach last chain to base of initial ring. Cut leaving 6" tails. Insert one tail into each hanging loop and gently pull the loop and tail into the ring. Completely pull thru and trim closely allowing the end to recede into the tatting. Be very careful when cutting.

The best way to hide your thread ends is to avoid them whenever possible. This means that you should begin to "think" the pattern through before you tat it. Thinking ahead allows you to employ two shuttles to both add to the design by "throwing off" rings, to wind your shuttles in the continuous thread method (CTM) by winding the first shuttle and then rolling off enough thread to wind the second shuttle from the opposite end, and to utilize the split ring, split chain, and mock picot to climb out of rounds.