Fly Tying Thread Control
Everything you need to know to prevent your thread from making you crazy.

Following my thread lecture, I normally pass out this sheet of Haiku. Written in a 5-7-5 syllable form, it's a reminder of all the different points needed to keep your thread under control. It's a good reference sheet, and it helps to shore up the opinion of my students that I am, indeed, losing my marbles.

Bobbin Tension

Adjust your bobbin.

Enough to stay off the floor.

Too loose? Use your palm.

Use the Tool Properly           

Reach back to the bend.

That carbide has a purpose.

You don’t touch the thread.

Thread Tension

Nail your feathers down.

Wrap them so tight the thread breaks.

Almost, but not quite.

Spin Your Bobbin

Watch out for thread twist.

Counter-clockwise to flatten.

Clockwise to add bulk.

Foundations

Lay good foundations.

Make them as tight as you can.

How Many Wraps?

If one wrap is good,

Surely two must be better?

Three wraps is plenty.

Don’t Crowd the Eye

Think hard! Plan it out!

Leave enough room for the head!

Make your life easy.

Working Distance

Minimize the gap.

Work as close as you can get.

Lessen hand movement.

Is One Bobbin Holder Enough?

Use many bobbins.

Colors, brands, strengths, denier.