I've recently started playing around with decorative wraps. I just tried to tie off my first attempt at a basic chevron. I started the first tie off with what I think was pretty good thread tension. I gave it at least 10 wraps before I started cutting the tags. When I cut through the last tag threads, the entire wrap contracted up the blank and took the tie off wraps with it. The pattern stayed pretty much in tact but the wrap shortened by a noticeable amount. Did I use too much tension when creating the wrap? Too little when tying it off?

What I'm about to say will be a bit hard to understand - you need to use the correct amount of pattern tension, not too much and not too little. So exactly what does that mean? Well, your pattern compression or elongation tends to dictate how much is too little and how much is too much. A more elongated pattern (centers further apart) cannot stand too much tension - the threads will be hard to pack together and tend to slip on each other. A compressed spacing allows more tension without things moving and slipping.

Tie-off tension needs to be snug. I suspect your issue was with too much tension on the pattern threads. Are you laying these threads by hand? If so, you need just enough tension to keep things in place. It's something you'll get a feel for as you go along. If you're trying to wrap the pattern threads off a thread carriage, it's very easy to apply too much tension. I've always done them by hand. It's actually faster and easier.

So in short, your pattern thread tension was likely too much.

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Thanks, Tom. I wrapped it by hand and was applying pretty aggressive pressure. It was a 4 axis wrap on a large diameter rod. It contracted like a Chinese finger trap when I cut those tags. I'll try going lighter on the tension next time.

I always put a coat of color preserver on my wraps after finishing the wrap and before cutting the thread. It adds a step but holds the thread to the rod and gives you a little more flexibility with the end wraps. It’s so frustrating to have the thread move after investing three or five hours so the extra time is good insurance for the wrap

That's a good tip. Thanks, Yancy.