Folding Feathers

[flytire]

every now and then there is a need to to have that swept back look with hackles and other feathers

here is one way out of many to achieve that look

this is a simple fly tying technique someone might want to learn

yes it adds time to tying your fly but who cares!

Folding Feathers | Global FlyFisher

another method

another method using foam block

Folding Hackle is really simple if you use the Joe Ayres foam block method. Start by getting a block of foam (the kind you find wrapped around computer equipment to protect it in shipping) about 3"x3"x10" long. Cut 1/2" deep slots in the foam -- you should be able to get about a dozen slots in a 10" piece of foam. To fold the hackle all you have to do is insert the feather's stem in the slot and the hackle is folded. I like to fold a dozen at a time and then tie flies

 

[mikechell]

Good link. It doesn't actually say it in the directions, but the feather looks somewhat "wet" after folding. Should the fingers be wet for this procedure?

 

[ts47]

every now and then there is a need to to have that swept back look with hackles and other feathers

here is one way out of many to achieve that look

this is a simple fly tying technique someone might want to learn

yes it adds time to tying your fly but who cares!

Folding Feathers | Global FlyFisher

another method

another method using foam block

Folding Hackle is really simple if you use the Joe Ayres foam block method. Start by getting a block of foam (the kind you find wrapped around computer equipment to protect it in shipping) about 3"x3"x10" long. Cut 1/2" deep slots in the foam -- you should be able to get about a dozen slots in a 10" piece of foam. To fold the hackle all you have to do is insert the feather's stem in the slot and the hackle is folded. I like to fold a dozen at a time and then tie flies

Good stuff Flytire... Thanks for posting!

 

[itchmesir]

I really like your foam block technique!

 

[flytire]

scissor method of folding a hackle

Folding hackles (Backside scissors method) - Tutorials - Classic Fly Tying

Atlantic Salmon Flies: Step-by-Step: How to Fold a Hackle With Your Scissors

wetting your fingers is always an option (not really required but tyers choice)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnRhzr1pQlo

there even was a tool

again there a many ways of folding a hackle. which one you use is the one you are most comfortable using

 

[Ard]

I haven't tried the foam block method yet but intend to do it next tying session another for Norm.

 

[dennyk]

Thanks Norm! This was posted before I discovered this forum. Glad I found this place to hang out!

Denny