Scott,

The half hitch is a good suggestion and I am also coating them with Sally's. I started tying using the half hitch but once I learned how to whip finish I forgot about that technique. The book, same as you, also suggests 70 denier. I am using Uni Thread 6/0 and 8/0 (red and black).

Just as the poor golfer,as he slices one into the woods, proclaims it is the clubs to blame...I suspect if I had better skill the thread would not be a problem, as your comments well show.

I can well remember when I first tied an 18. I thought this was impossible. Now, 18 is a breeze and I believe the 22 will be the same after some more practice.

Cheers!