Mercury Black Beauty

Materials

How to Tie the Mercury Black Beauty

1. 1

   Step 1

   Slide the clear glass bead onto the hook, small end first, and mount the hook in the vise.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Start black thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth base back to the start of the bend.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in a length of fine copper wire at the rear edge of the bead, wrapping it along the shank toward the bend, keeping it to the near side.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Continue wrapping thread rearward to about a third down the bend (on curved hooks), forming a smooth, slightly tapered body.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Bring thread back up to just behind the bead, creating an even, slim thread body.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Spiral the copper wire rib forward in 5-7 even turns toward the bead. Secure with thread wraps and trim or break off excess.

   Even spacing on the wire creates a realistic segmented look.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Dub a very small amount of black Superfine dubbing onto the thread and build a subtle, thin thorax immediately behind the bead.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Whip finish behind the bead. Optionally apply a thin coat of UV resin over the body for extra durability and sheen.