It's been about six months since I've tied any dry flies other than elk hair caddis. As a matter of fact, I only recently started tying again after a layoff due to rotator cuff surgery. I'm struggling with a problem that I'm sure has a quick fix.
I keep getting the dry hackles caught in the thread when I try to bind it down. You know what I mean, those hackle fibers that are suddenly pointed straight forward when you're ready to build the head? I know about using a straw to hold them back, but I've never been too fond of that, although that's the direction I might have to go.
I know the solution has been covered either on the boards here or in an article on the main FAOL, but I'll be hanged if I can find it. I'm sure it's something simple, like pulling the hackle stem a certain direction when I tie it off, chanting mystical gibberish to it, etc.
Can you folks help me remember the technique to avoid catching hackle under the thread like this?