You might give this a shot. This method is the same as stuffing the first bunch of deer hair which will become the collar on a Muddler Minnow over the hook eye, rather than 'spinning' from a bunch laid along the shank as the balance of the head would be spun.
1, even the tips on one side of the feathers
2, strip the evened barbs
3, roll the bunch much like mixing a tail of two different colors
4, place the bunch so that the proper length is achieved by sliding the center (approx) of the bunch over the hook eye.
the barbs should now be distributed around the shank with the ends at the proper length.
5, Take two turns of thread to hold them and check the distribution. Adjust as necessary so barbs are equally distributed.
6, Take two additional tight turns to lock in place
7, cut off waste, try to get a little taper or stagger so you don't end up with an abrupt step
8, finish head, whip finish, cut thread.
9, Go catch a fish.
I know pictures would be better, but I have none currently. Perhaps when I get some time, I do an illustrated article on what I have attempted to explain here.
Tight lines,
George