tying threads

[nowflyin]

Hello,im new to all this, but im trying got some bits vice bobbin holder not sure what else to get yet, ,what i would like to know is do i really have to buy tying thread from tackle shops?? ,or can i use threads from normal every day shops as wife uses,
thanks keith

[roll cast]

Sewing thread is ok for buzzers as its varnished but it too thick and perishes quickly after being wetted so is no use for fly tying really.

AL

[yellow owl]

gutterman threads its the same just watch what dennier you use

[wcb]

Best bet is to use tying threads.

There are loads of types so let us know what type of flies you want to tie and i'm sure peeps will be able to guide you in the right direction.

T

[nowflyin]

The thread i have for starter,s i bought from Walkers,but its not waxed should it be ?? because im told i have to clean out bobbin of wax now and again

[horses50]

To start with buy black in 6/0 and 8/0 for dark coloured flies,and white in 6/0 and 8/0 for yes youve guessed it for light coloured flies.
Gary

[roll cast]

Originally Posted by pinman

The thread i have for starter,s i bought from Walkers,but its not waxed should it be ?? because im told i have to clean out bobbin of wax now and again

Waxed thread really helps when you are tying as it helps the thread grip materials and the hooks, stops the thread sliding up and down the hook and also stiffens the threas slightly leading to tighter thread wraps.
Remember reading this elsewhere.

AL

[palindromic_bob]

I started recently myself and now have 3 little drawers full of threads floss wire and tinsel. I'm like a magpie without the useful feathers

I have tried using sewing thread and yes it does work but isn't prewaxed so dubbing requires wax or similar. I also found that some threads were very fragile and frayed easily. I nearly got kicked in the fragiles when I used my partners good Gutterman thread and she then tried to find it.

For consitent, predictable results it is better to use decent thread. By buying specific fly thread you get an easy to understand numbering system (in most cases) that is used in most step by steps you'll come across. It is also cheaper per meter than the high quality sewing thread and if you stick to a brand you get a consistant bobbin size.

If you want to keep costs low then buy a few choice colours.

From my limited experience I'd recommend buying Unithread 6/0 to begin as it is useful across a range of sizes without being as fragile as the finer threads. It's also easy to dub directly and split to make dubbing loops. Used on small flies it can also create a subtle ribbed effect. It's about £2 for a 200 yard spool.

One colour you definatly need is black. The rest is down to you but olive is very useful for a lot of patterns and red is great when you want a bright head on a heavily dubbed or floss body fly without needing a coloured varnish.

If you fancy getting lots of choice quickly then you could consider the full sets which give you 20 colours on 50 yard spools at around £16. This gives you huge choice but can make things confusing. You will find your prefered colours though so when you run out buy indiviual 200 yards spools to replace the 50 yard one. These sets are handy for when you start getting more confident and want to start experimenting.

[ikilledflipper]

Yeah, I echo what the others have said, you can't go wrong with uni-thread. However, buy the 6 and not the 8 - you're just starting & the 8-0 might be too fine.

I would suggest black & brown, this will allow you to tie a lot of dries & wets, if you can afford it, you should perhaps get olive as well, however, as your starting you don,t have to match the head to the body.

When you're first beginning, it is best to buy a few books & figure out which flies you would like to tie, then buy the materials you need for them. Don't go out and buy what you might need as, you will no doubt not really need it - this type of buying can become very expensive.

I don't know what the others think of this, but perhaps you should buy a starter pack. I know verniards do one for £15. The materials will be pretty poor, and you will not get a lot of them. However, it's a great way of getting many materials fast, and thus, deciding if it is truly something you want to invest in. If you don't enjoy it - it only cost you a little sum of money!

[palindromic_bob]

The Veniards kit is ok and is a quick way to get started but the thread isn't great.