how to keep thread from slipping while making a thread head

[AlbaSurf]

Hey there!

I have read almost every single one of the tying tips on this site and searched high and low but I still cannot find any advice on how to prevent thread from slipping off of the font of my evidently too-smooth thread heads. How do you make a nice smooth angled head without the thread getting all bunched up around the eye of the hook?

Thanks!

Karli-Rae

[Normand]

1. minimize your thread wraps. it doesnt take 50 wraps of thread to tie off the materials and build a head.

2. reserve one hook eye length for the head. nothing goes in this space except the minimal thread wraps of the head.

3. use enough tension when wrapping the thread. no loose wrapping.

4. if you really need to, apply some super glue with a bodkin tho the thread before wrapping the head.

[AlbaSurf]

1. minimize your thread wraps. it doesnt take 50 wraps of thread to tie off the materials and build a head.

2. reserve one hook eye length for the head. nothing goes in this space except the minimal thread wraps of the head.

3. use enough tension when wrapping the thread. no loose wrapping.

4. if you really need to, apply some super glue with a bodkin tho the thread before wrapping the head.

Thanks Normand! I will focus on doing all of those things consistently.

[chewydog]

If Normands #4 is done correctly, no need for a whip finish, creating an even smoother head.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

When building those bulky bullet heads on Atlantic Salmon flies, the key to keeping the thread from slipping is wax on the thread. Not dubbing wax, but tying wax. Simply not as sticky, but helps keep the thread wraps in place. It also hellps keep materials in place.

REE

[hairwing]

It has been amazing to me what minimal thread wraps and a dubbing needle dab of cement will do to improve the durability and appearance of flies. Fewer turns of thread is a plus. Piling on thread wraps is wasted effort.

In my experience, how I cut excess materials at the eye is important in finishing of the head of a fly. I try to cut the material off at an angle from front to back, not coming in from the side which causes a ledge to contend with. Unless you fill up the ledge with thread the wraps will continue to slip forward, and if you are filling ledges you are adding bulk to the head of the fly. What's required is that each material is trimmed at an angle to allow that nice taper at the head.

Nice effects can also be done to the head with the aide of some flat nosed pliers after a dab of laqueur. By applying a squeeze to the head either horizontaly or vertically and then applying the finish coat of cement, you can shape a head to your liking.

Good luck. A well done finished head is what separates a mediocre fly from a well thought out crafted one. You're on tract to becoming an accomplished fly tier.