Learning To Do Decorative Wraps On Fishing Rods

**Jamesdean** · 03-31-2025, 01:57 AM

As I seem to not be able to sleep much, and wanting to be quite so Ms. Joyce can sleep, I been bouncing around the inter webs, and cobb-webs in my mind. I have a hand wrapper sitting in a box waiting for this Rod Building Seminar with mud hole. I will admit I have been intrigued by the really nice art work I have seen put on some rods. The most intriguing one is actually a weave pattern of a mythical Dragon that goes 360* around the rod. More on that later. The ones I'm talking about here are Cross Wraps, though. I did one a couple of years back of a spiral wrap, Like a barbers pole type spiral. I think it was an Artic Blue/Green and Silver Metalic, if my memory serves me right. Though it don't matter. I haven't done nothing of the kind since.

And seeing's how Slab opened the Blog section up, I thought why not take anyone interested along for the ride. I been bouncing all around YouTube, even bought a couple books that was recommended, Custom Rod Thread Art by Dale Clemens, and Advanced Custom Rod Building also by Dale Clemens. On one of the video's I was watching, Another book was Suggested, but I haven't been able to locate it, and that's Decorative Wraps by Billy Vivona. Of coarse there's programs that you can purchase like Visual Wraps or Visual Weaves, but I don't want to spend that kind of money just yet. Well, I will be posting up some pictures of my Adventures in Rod Wrapping soon. Stay Tuned...

**Jamesdean** · 03-31-2025, 11:08 PM

Ok, I started a practice wrap on a wooden dowel. Trying to start from memory and I got the spacing wrong. I was going for a chevron wrap, and some how got it in my head the spacing should only be as far apart as the rod is wide, it i measured 10.7mm on a caliper so the crosses should only be 10.7mm aprt. After watching a couple videos today, They said the crosses should be 1inch apart, no matter the diameter of the rod. Seeings how this is just practice I continued with what I had, and concentrating on laying the thread, (Coats and Clark Embroidery thread), right next to the previous thread. In the third picture that is 5 wraps down and back, or left then right for each of the two colors teal and metallic silver. ¹ Name: 20250331_220048.jpg
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**Jamesdean** · 03-31-2025, 11:22 PM

Another thing you want is everything to stay in a straight line. Which I didn't get right here. The second diamond box from he left is not in-line with the rest, and I didn't catch it till just now. Patience, paying attention to detail and taking your time, all factor in this. Sure glad this is practice and just sewing thread. Lots cheaper than rod wrapping thread.
Oh well. Time to cut it off and start again.... Name: 20250331_231444.jpg
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**Jamesdean** · 04-02-2025, 07:06 PM

With several things off on the first attempt, ie the distance spacing, and then the lineup of the crosses in a straight line, I decided to cut it off, rewatch a video, hoping to get it straight in my mind and have another go at it. I planned on trying again last night, but life once again got in the way. Ms Joyce had a Dr's appointment that lasted two hrs., then Take her home, the go grocery shopping. Went out for dinner, and I was too tired for wrapping. So here I am, to night.
I use a rechargeable light to shine down on the wrapping to see better. Well, I didn't get it charged after the last round, and now I get a break to charge it...though I did get started before it quit.
First pic is me getting the dowel marked and taped up to start. It's crucial to get the marks right to start with. Then I ran a line of black thread, and then the, I'm guessing it's an article blue, five threads each side of the black. Then the light went out. So while that's charging, I can get the dishes in the washer, and get our two fur babies fed... Name: 20250402_171856.jpg
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**Jamesdean** · 04-02-2025, 08:49 PM

Broke out my blue led light from Slab while the other recharges...Any way, going with gold metallic as the offset color. Seems to pop out better than the silver. In this picture I have three wraps on the north side and two on the south. It's break time as the knee is talking to me. Time to stretch it a bit and walk... Name: 20250402_204405.jpg
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**Jamesdean** · 04-02-2025, 09:22 PM

You all are more than welcome to comment, critique...I think I stated I am learning. If any of you all have suggestions, or see where I can make it better, by all means, please say something. I can't improve by making the same mistake over and over. I will be getting a mini card for my camera tomorrow, so if I can figure it out how to record with it, I'll get a couple of videos out. Might be better to see and critique me...Thank you all for following along on this venture with me...

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**Jamesdean** · 04-02-2025, 09:42 PM

Sorry for the hand, but it's for focus...This is five wraps each side of the Gold...Th blue is next again. Five wraps each side... Name: 20250402_213928.jpg
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**Jamesdean** · 04-02-2025, 11:15 PM

It's at this point I call it a night...my knee swollen and so is my Right foot...I'll be glad when my VA appt. Gets here in about a week. Anyway, I bid you all so-long for now. And thank you for following along this far. Please leave comments and suggestions as well as critiques. Jamesdean. Name: 20250402_230912.jpg
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**BuckeyeCrappie** · 04-03-2025, 07:27 AM

I like the innovation Eric. You certainly are one busy fella…

**Jamesdean** · 04-03-2025, 09:45 AM

Yes Sir, A little too busy to be Retired. Always thought I'd have plenty of time to fish and relax when I retired, Ha, Ha, Ha...Kids are grown and scattered to the wind, Momma (Ms Joyce, My better half), has health issues and after 32 yrs behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler, it's catching up to her. It's a case of, If I don't do it, well, it just wont get done...I fish when I can, and tie jigs when things slow down. Now I'm adding Rod building and decorative wraps too!!! Not real sure if I'll ever really slow down...

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