This is the method I use for doubling a hackle feather for any type of fly.
This works for whatever type of hackle feather is used; cock hackle, hen hackle, schlappen or saddle hackle feather, provided the feather is even in the distribution of the hackle barbs – ie. it’s a symmetrical feather.
In this case, I have started with a 3mm od SRFS glitter tube, with a inner 1.8mm ‘clear’ tube as applied to the tapered needle in the tying vice.
A bright yellow dyed badger hackle is selected:
Prepare the tip of the hackle feather for tying in:
Next, position the hackle tip for the tie in position on the tube:
Now tie in the hackle tip with a few wraps of the thread:
Now, fold back the tip of the hackle feather:
Take a couple of wraps of thread to secure the folded back section of the hackle tip, and then trim off the excess tip:
Now spread out the hackle barbs evenly:
Now, to the doubling of the barbs; take your closed scissors, and rub the blunt edge of the scissors along the rachis (stem) of the hackle, and the barbs will gradually, with a few sweeps, lay back at an angle to the rachis. Repeat this for both side of the feather: You will now end up with barbs on either side of the rachis lying at an angle of 60 to 90 degrees to each other, having started at 180 degrees:
The doubled hackle is now ready to wrap:
Now, start the wrapping of the hackle, and with each wrap of the hackle, sweep back the hackle barbs to the left with your left hand fingers:
The hackle is now wrapped, and the end of the feather trimmed:
Now, secure the wrapped & swept hackle with a few extra wraps of thread: now you have a doubled hackle.
This is now a good base onto which to complete your hackled fly.
