How to Whip Finish Flies

The whip finish process is used to tie the thread and complete the fly. Whip finishing is a critical fly-tying skill that is required on most patterns. The process is accomplished by tying the knots with your hands or using a tool to tie knot the thread. The tool is the most efficient choice, but whip finishing by hand is effective and used by many fly tiers. Practice the process on a bare hook several times to build the muscle memory required for a smooth and compact knot.

Things You'll Need

  • Hook
  • Thread
  • Whip finish tool
  • Scissors
  • Vise
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Instructions

  1. Whip Finish Tool

    • 1

      Lay the tool against the thread. Align the top hook and bottom bend with the thread.

    • 2

      Lift the thread around the bottom bend. The bend and hook will attach and engage the thread in a triangle shape. Lift the bottom of the triangle to the eye of the hook.

    • 3

      Rotate the handle in a clockwise direction to wrap the thread around the hook eye. Make 10 total wraps, maintaining the hook and triangle position throughout the process.

    • 4

      Push the thread off the tool's bend and around the hook eye. The thread is wrapped around the hook and the eye only at this point. Pull on the thread until the tool's hook is pressed against the hook eye. Slide the hook off the thread and pull on the thread to cinch the knot. Cut the thread off the hook.

    Hand Technique

    • 5

      Hold the thread in one hand and place your forefinger and middle finger against the thread. The fingernails are facing you at this point.

    • 6

      Lift the thread above the fingers. Lift and rotate the fingers to create a triangle in the thread. The fingernails will turn away during the rotation and finish in the original position.

    • 7

      Slide the free corner of the triangle around the hook eye. Repeat the revolution process with the fingers to wrap the thread around the hook 10 times.

    • 8

      Pull on the thread to tighten the knot. Remove your fingers as the knot tightens around the hook shank.