I start at the head and tie down my chenille where I want my body to end then wrap my thread back to the head.Average is between 5-7 wraps depending on body length and hook size.Tinsel chenille is thinner and may take up to 10-12 wraps.It all depends on how you want your body to look. I also cut the center out of my marabou and I think it looks much better,at least to me . Fishhunter will get you going in the right direction.