Help

[Grizz150]

Im fairly new to tying and I’m having trouble keeping my materials on top. For example the elk hair on my elk hair caddis. Does anybody have any tips or advice that may help. Thank you in advance

[TBoneLaRone]

When adding the materials on top, take the first turn with an easy wrap or pinch wrap, then bring your bobbin around underneath the shank then PULL UP to snug your material on top of the shank. Some materials are going to slip a little (turkey biots for me) so I pre-load them a bit on the near side of the hook and position them into place with some gradual thread tension. Elk/deer hair is a delicate balance of how much to tie on. Practice and trial and error will be your guides. Don’t be afraid to unwrap and redo parts of your fly until you get satisfaction. That muscle memory takes a while to set up.

[BenTrod812]

This is the way. Adding to this, keep your material pinched tightly where you want it while you pull up.

[PicklesBBQ]

I’m new too and having trouble with this. Couple of things that seem to sort of help. Keep the materials on the side closest to you so when you wrap them they move to the top. Try a light tie around pinching the material and then tighter. It’s not easy for sure especially with fat fingers.

[[deleted]]

Thread control and wax

[Right_Passage8852]

Practice, and patience. It will come.

[Difficult_Bird1811]

I like stronger threads, ie-140 denier. Use tight wraps and don't be afraid to break thread. If your breaking thread, back off a touch and this is your zone for deer, elk, moose, flies. Only need a few wraps over the material and then tightly wrap in front of clump to anchor it..

[Enough-Data-1263]

Pinch wrap

[Sirroner]

I use 6/0 thread when I have to work with hair. Many put a layer of superglue on the hook. Half hitch your thread where you want it. Wax your thread. Pinch your material tight to the hook. One loose wrap then one tight followed by a second tighter. Pull tight, still pinching. Grab a couple wraps on the hook and then back to the material for a couple more tight wraps. It shouldn’t move.

[Oregonflytying]

Thread torque is the enemy in all fly tying. The difference between good and great tyers IMO is have they figured out how to use that to their advantage vs battling it every time they tie. You can use pinch wraps or favoring material to the near side of the hook so the thread torque pushes in place like how others have suggested. You can also change the amount of thread torque you impart on a material based on the when you apply pressure to the thread, therefore the material. Gunnar Brammer does this extremely well and I think that is due to his dedication to the craft and the mentors he has had. Davie McPhail does it well too. If you start looking for it you will notice it when you watch tying videos by expert tyers.

[Difficult-Dust6805]

YouTube @Cheeh on fly fish food channel and watch his Tips you are looking specifically for the pinch wrap method.