I finally made my own speckled trout pattern but I'm wondering what would be the normal amount of threads for a blank .355" in diameter? The pattern I have is 30 threads. Would that be about right? Could stand to be a few more threads bigger but I think I can get by.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve; You can very the size of your pattern by using different size thread. Each time you do a pattern keep notes on it telling you the size threads you used and the finished dimensions. As to the normal number of threads in your patterns. That will depend on the subject matter and whether you are able to get satisfactory results. The more detail and color changes the more pattern threads you will have. I use a back ground thread at least one size larger than the pattern thread to maintain proportion. If you don't do that you will have to add an extra turn now and then to the back ground. Most of my patterns not including letters run between 50 and 90 threads except the 360 degree weaves and they go up to over 180 pattern threads. Hope this helps....Jim

Jim,
So you're saying if I use size A thread for the pattern I should use B thread for the background? I will be using size A thread for the speckled trout weave. Hum! Now I've got to go find some size B Black NCP thread.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve; Use "B" if you can find it or "C" which is what I usually use. Good luck...Jim

Steve when I weave I use silk thread or a 00 size when doing a trout rod, now if I do a off shore rod I use C thread.
Bob I would ask Kerry Hansen. Kerry is a Master Rod Weaver on the West coast. Kerry's email is rodesigner@aol.com If you get RODMAKER magizine they have published some of Kerry's designs.
Good luck Bob

Steve, I just finished a tarpon weave that calls for 39 threads on an 8 foot steelhead rod. The blank measures 4/10's of an inch or about 10mm at the weave. I used A size metallic thread and Holland C thread which is about the size of D regular thread. The proportions look good. By the way, I will use this rod to make long casts with light line while drift fishing in salt water ergo the tarpon weave.