[James Abel]

Hi guys I'm new to tying and have hands like shovels. I have been breaking thread can I wrap over it or is it start again
Thanks for any replies j

[Rob Brownfield]

Depends where it breaks. On my Pike flies I sometimes break the thread when finishing the head. I just wrap over as the head is so big anyway.

On smaller flies this is harder to do as it can bulk out the head/body.

[Peter McCallum]

Forget about the flies for now, hook in vice start the thread then wrap the thread steadily increasing tension till the  thread breaks. Then do it again and again..............................and again till you get used to the point where the thread breaks. Don't put any more pressure than that on your thread 

Oh and make sure you don't have any rags on your fingers/nails which will catch the thread and maybe break it. Also check your vice for rags. 






That's presuming it's not the bobbin holder which is your problem 

[Marc Fauvet]

i'm with Peter, learn to not break it first ! it's an invaluable skill that will stay with you for the rest of your tying career 

btw, what thread are you using ? some are well... shite

cheers,
marc

[James Abel]

It's all flybox materials I use im just tying lures just now. I don't think the fingers could manage a 18 spider but in time I hopefully will.  all the best j

[Peter McCallum]

I don't think the fingers could manage a 18 spider but in time I hopefully will. 

Ah it's 'I can't tie wee flies' syndrome you're suffering from. If you can't tie 18 spiders the tie 10's then go down to 12's then 14's.....think you can see we're going.

[Rob Brownfield]

Ah it's 'I can't tie wee flies' syndrome you're suffering from. If you can't tie 18 spiders the tie 10's then go down to 12's then 14's.....think you can see we're going.

Or dress size 10 hooks short as one would do with Clyde style spiders

[thursodog]

What the others are saying + your thread tension may be too much for the thread you are using.
Each time i fit a new bobbin holder with a spool of thread i make sure the tension when pulling of thread through the bobbin holder is nice and smooth with only a small amount of tension, this too can help with breakages and is somit i do without thinking these days.
Hope this helps.

CW.

[Peter McCallum]

What the others are saying + your thread tension may be too much for the thread you are using.
Each time i fit a new bobbin holder with a spool of thread i make sure the tension when pulling of thread through the bobbin holder is nice and smooth with only a small amount of tension, this too can help with breakages and is somit i do without thinking these days.
Hope this helps.

CW.

Good point 

[thursodog]

Cheers.
Banana fingers are no excuse either, have you seen the mitts on Brian Burnett and Paul Little.
SHOVELS

[Eddie Sinclair]

Chris,
agreed, I have a mate Stan who used to play rugby league for Wigan and he has giant hands and fingers but he ties beutiful flies.

Regards,

Eddie.

[Crackaig]

Where is your thread breaking? If it is in or around the tube of your bobbin then you may have a burr or grove in the bobbin tube. The best solution is a bobbin with either a full ceramic tube or ceramic inserts in the end(s) Most metal tubes will grove very quickly.

When your thread breaks the first thing to do is not panic. If there is a tag end of thread available put your hackle pliers on it. That will keep the wraps tight. Restart your thread, then tie down the loose end with a couple of wraps, don't try to re start and tie down at the same time. Trim out both tag ends (one from when the thread broke and one from when you restarted), and continue as normal.

Cheers,
C.

[James Abel]

Hi guys I've got it sorted the bobbins I bought from eBay had a lot to do with it  they are all now in the bin and I have bought some dr slick ceramics and what a difference. I am still tying lures mostly but did tie my first dries I'm the summer and they work nouthing to fancy and I won't post a photo it would make you laugh :X1but my flies work and it feels good when its your fly that catches the fish. Merry Xmas and happy new year all the best j