Very Simple Fly Tying Question...

[HazMatt]

So I am new to tying and have been accumulating a lot of materials and have a few books, but none of them have really answered the following question for me and I am a bit confused...
What is the difference between thread and floss? When is each used vs. the other? Is there that great of a difference between the two? I have this "4 strand floss" that I don't know what to do with other than use it like thread. Do you separate out the threads when dubbing, and isn't this what pre-waxed thread is used for also?
Thanks for answering a really silly question and I truly envy all the experienced tyers out there...I really like tying now and am also trying to figure out tying in hackle (Argh!)..

HM

[Chromaflage]

Matt, floss is used for more of a body material rather than a thread. For thread, pre-waxed mono cord, uni-thread, etc. Floss will flatten and widen as it is wound along the hook shank.

This fly has a floss body.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw2/professorfly.jpg

CrF

[HazMatt]

OOOHHHH.. :redface: This would be the reason some of my flies have turned out looking a bit dodgy and it has been so hard to finish a head on them.
Follow up question...
Do you tie in floss like another material, say yarn or wool, using only a piece of it and tying it down at the other end with the thread? (Assuming you do) Wait :idea:, could you tie it in, then finish with a whip finish?
Thanks -
So much for the anonymity of a board :grin: Only one able to put a face with my moniker :smirk: Figured you might one that could respond...

[Chromaflage]

Do you tie in floss like another material, say yarn or wool, using only a piece of it and tying it down at the other end with the thread?


Yup!


(Assuming you do) Wait :idea:, could you tie it in, then finish with a whip finish?


Yup again!


So much for the anonymity of a board :grin: Only one able to put a face with my moniker :smirk: Figured you might one that could respond...



:wave: :wave: :wave: :laugh: :laugh:

Maybe we could get together some evening and tie a bit. We always say stuff like that, but seem to have difficulty putting it together.

:idea: Hey! Next time I'm out your way for cookies and milk :smirk: let's set up a fly-tying table in your office while we wait for samples to run! :grin:

CrF

[HazMatt]

I'll throw stuff in my truck on June 8th!! I now have a table in my office that would work perfect - during lunch! I'll also show you my newfound speycasting technique - not that you would want to learn from me though... :smirk:

Thanks,
Matt