Pearsall's Silk

[rabmax]

Hello i have tied up some Partridge & Yellow spiders after buying Mike Hardings book but the bodies aren't coming out as yellow as i want.Most of his patterns with yellow bodies ask for Pearsall's No4 but they don't make it anymore. I have been using No 3 but have ordered No 5 to try .Should i be using No 5 also should i be using a clear thread wax If so can someone point me in the direction of a clear wax to buy as most waxes i see for sale are a darker colour .Cheers

[maharg]

You could try pure bees wax for a clearer wax.

[arkle]

Have you tried a spot of Tippex run along part of the shank ?

[maharg]

For a white underbody plumbers PTFE tape is also worth a try.

[rabmax]

Originally Posted by arkle

Have you tried a spot of Tippex run along part of the shank ?

I don't know how i didn't think of Tippex as i have seen it used in lots of fly step by steps
I would imagine Tippex would add less bulk when tying small sizes.As for Bees Wax i have Googled loads of places selling it but haven't seen any yet that looks anything like clear.Most look nearly as dark as the wax i already have .Cheers

[midlander]

Originally Posted by rabmax

Should i be using No 5 also should i be using a clear thread wax If so can someone point me in the direction of a clear wax to buy as most waxes i see for sale are a darker colour .Cheers

I don't know, should you? What type of wax are you currently using?

If you've used bees wax or Veniards tyers wax then you're unlikely to get anything lighter. It doesn't matter how "clear" the wax is. If you're using Pearsalls it will appear to darken as it absorbs the wax just the same as it would if it got wet with clear water. Personally, I'd go for shade #5 as shade #3 (primrose) is too light. Arkle's tippex ploy is a good one or you could try a lightly bronzed hook such as the hayabusa, this'll help lift and accentuate the translucency.

[ribbleman]

Pearsalls have started making no4 again. They have a website[Langley threads look after them now] I bought some online last week.
Ray

[sabalos]

hi , think they still do no. 4 check the link below...

Pearsalls Embroidery

a.t.b , dave

[midlander]

Originally Posted by ribbleman

Pearsalls have started making no4 again. They have a website[Langley threads look after them now] I bought some online last week.
Ray

Originally Posted by sabalos

hi , think they still do no. 4 check the link below...

Pearsalls Embroidery

a.t.b , dave

Good work lads, they've got #11 too! It was the basis of a very nice greenwells variant I used to make. I was really miffed when that got discontinued. I've just ordered some and we'll see if it's the proper shade in a few days. Thanks again for bringing that to light.

[rabmax]

I will try the Tippex & No 5 i have ordered & white Bees Wax.& order some No 4 next time round . Cheers