Hello to the group. I'm about to build my fourth rod and am having a great time. My question is in regard to decorative trim wraps specifically how to make the transitions without crossing thread colors. On my last rod i put a single gold wrap in the middle of my guide wraps. They look great, but if examined closely you can see where the "cross" is. I just want to add a thin band in the middle of my wraps. I tried to simply stop the first color and then start a new color, but it seems I need at least 5 or 6 wraps to tie in the thread and to finish the thread which translates to a thick band. I tried searching this forum, but since my terminology isn't up to speed yet, I didn't get many results.

About 5-6 turns before I want to start the trim band I insert a loop of mono. When I get to where I want to start the trim band, I pull the trim thread through. I move the main wrap thread a bit to the right and take the trim thread around the rod in the opposite direction of the main thread, tightly wrapping over the main thread. When I get to the end of the trim thread, i hold it tight and tuck the free end under the main thread that is angled to the right. Once the trim thread is secure, I continue wrapping the main thread and when I wrap over the trim thread 5 or six times, I trim the trim color. It sounds a lot harder than it is.

Here are some various tutorials you might find helpful:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.youtube.com]

[www.rodbuildingtutorials.com]

If I understand.....the only way that I know if is a "nail knot".

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

These are good examples of end trim bands. For a single (or how ever many turns you want) band in the middle of a wrap with no cross over and no tie off loop, use the following process:

Start the main wrap. At least 6 turns prior to starting your trim band (I like 10 if there is room) insert your trim band thread.
Wrap the 6-10 turns of your main wrap thread
Cut the tag end at the start of the trim thread. You can pull (gently) the trim thread to hide the end of the trim wrap start if you didn't get a clean cut.
Wrap the trim thread over the main thread in the same direction as the main thread wrap. (you might have to loosen the tension a bit on the main wrap) Wrap a little past the start point.
Slip the trim thread under the main wrap thread and continue wrapping about 5-6 turns.
Pull the trim thread tight, and also pull the end point of the wrap so it is even with the start of the wrap. If you don't do this step, you get a fat spot where the start and stop points go past each other.
Trim the tag end and continue.

This gives you a single trim band (or how ever many turns you wish) with no main thread crossover, and without using tie-off loops.

I may have a tutorial with pictures if you want one. If not, I should make one for my class anyway. PM me and I'll mail it to you.

Tight wraps!

Terry

Terry, I really like your method. Work perfectly. Going to try a few more times on a wooden dowel I've been using for practice. I really like not having to cut the main thread.

John. Thanks for the links.

John. Your method is very similar to Terry's in practice.

Thanks again folks!

Yup, it is. I just capture the trim thread early, instead of the loop.

Glad it worked out. I create trim bands wrapping the trim and main thread side by side in a similar manner, except I just start the trim thread along side the main thread where I want the trim to be on the wrap. Make 2-3 turns and then end the trim wrap in a similar fashion to the single band.

Terry