the way i do it is to finish the fly with parachute installed then whip finish the head and start the thread over again on the parachute, tie in the hackle, wrap around post then, you tie down the hackle end and whip finish on the parachute it works like a charm and the flies will be beautiful. if the post is not strong enough then you can add a drop of superglue before tying on hackle and when you tie in the parachute. p.s. if you don't have a pair of rotary hackle pliers.... GET SOME they are wonderful for parchutes!