A method and apparatus are provided for separating a yarn end of a yarn package from the outer layer of the yarn package and disposing the separated yarn end onto the yarn package in a preferred disposition. The apparatus includes a drive device for rotating a yarn package in an unwinding direction, an assembly for performing a yarn end drawing out operation during the unwinding rotation of the yarn package and a device for determining that a successful yarn end drawing out operation has been performed including an assembly for detecting that a yarn end of at least a predetermined length has been drawn out. The apparatus also includes an assembly for controlling the drive device to stop the unwinding rotation of the yarn package in response to the earlier of the lapse of a predetermined period of time and the receipt of a signal from the detecting device indicating that a successful yarn end drawing out operation has been performed. A designation device applies a designation to those yarn packages which do not have a yarn end which has been successfully drawn out, and a reading device and a yarn package transfer device operate together to transfer such unsuccessfully prepared yarn packages.