The Spinning Loop

The spinning loop is an essential tying tactic that I use in many fly designs. It allows the tyer to custom build a wide variety of chenilles for use in design work.

Here are the steps necessary to get the loop correct.

First, pull out several inches of thread (the length will depend on the loop’s use), put the end of the index finger of your materials hand on the center of the thread and then take the bobbin back up to the hook and make a turn or two around the shank to stabilize the loop. Then take the bobbin back over the top of the loop.

Step One in making the spinning loop.

Step One in making the spinning loop.

In Step Two, the thread is taken on around the backside of the loop.

Step Two in making the spinning loop.

Step Two in making the spinning loop.

In Step Three, the tying thread is wrapped around the hook shank one or two turns. By this process, the top of the loop is closed tightly so that materials inserted into the loop do not drop out as the loop is spun.

Step Three in the spinning loop.

Step Three in the spinning loop.