How to Make a Dubbing Loop
Fly-tying enthusiasts use a dubbing loop to apply dubbing materials, usually fur, in a manner that imparts a particularly fuzzy or rough look to a fly pattern. A dubbing loop is generally used to create only a portion of the fly pattern and will therefore be used in conjunction with other fly-tying techniques to create a finished fly pattern.
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Things You'll Need
- Hook
- Vise
- Thread (preferably waxed)
- Dubbing tool (anything that can hook/hold the thread)
- Fur
Instructions
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1
Start the dubbing loop by hooking the thread attached to the hook with the dubbing tool and bringing the dubbing tool (with the trapped thread) to a point below and beneath the hook.
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2
Wrap the free portion of the thread around the hook shank.
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3
Take the free portion of the thread behind the loop of thread formed by the dubbing tool and wrap it back around the hook shank several times until the free end of the thread advances to the eye of the hook. The thread has now been wrapped in such a way that the thread loop formed by the dubbing tool will not slip or pull out.
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4
Insert the fur or other dubbing material between the two strands of thread that form the dubbing loop.
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5
Twist the dubbing tool to form a "rope" of dubbing material that is significantly more "fuzzy" than dubbing material applied using other tying methods.
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6
Wrap the newly formed dubbing rope around the hook shank until you reach a point just behind the eye of the hook. Tie off the dubbing rope by wrapping the free end of the thread over the dubbing three to six times and trimming away any excess.
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Tips & Warnings
Use pre-waxed thread when using a dubbing loop. The waxed thread is slightly sticky or tacky and the fur or dubbing material will adhere to it more easily than to regular thread.
Do not insert too much dubbing material when using a dubbing loop to tie a fly pattern. It is much easier to add more dubbing material to the loop than to remove excess dubbing material.
