What it does
A whip-finisher forms a tidy locking knot at the head of the fly before the thread is cut.
How to use it
- 1
Hook the tying thread with both arms of the tool to form a clear number-four shape.
- 2
Place the point of that shape against the hook where you want the knot.
- 3
Rotate the tool around the hook four or five times while keeping gentle thread tension.
- 4
Slide the wraps off the tool, pull the thread snug and cut it close.
Beginner tip
Practise with thick, brightly coloured thread on a bare hook until the number-four shape feels natural.
Common mistake
If the thread crosses over itself before you rotate, stop and reset — crossed wraps make a loose, bulky finish.