I'm new to rod building and thread design work.  I've done four complete builds and have added butt wraps to eight pre-builds, all open wraps (seven diamond and one chevron).  I love doing the actual thread application and the resulting finished wrap, but was wondering how you keep everything lined up as it sems on every one I've done, one design is slightly off. Not so much that it is immediately noticeable, but enough to be obvious under close scrutiny. 

I follow the guidelines for marking the blank before making my initial passes and then double check that my cross overs are right on where they pass over my marks.  Needless to say after a dozen or so passes, there always seems to be one design that's slightly off.  The only thing I can think of is I'm either not keeping consistant thread tension, or I'm pushing excessively when packing the wraps.

Any advice or tips would be grately appreciated.

Are you adjusting your measurements for the taper of the blank?

Are you adjusting your measurements for the taper of the blank?

Yes. The odd design isn't near the front or back, it's somewhere mid design which makes it all that more noticeable.

keep practicing or maybe get a wonder weaver lol..sorry im not much more help but i only do dec. wraps on my heavy salt gear(like tiger wraps, chevs etc) my lighter stuff i like to keep as light as possible

15 yrs building rods...........

Got tired of making wraps using large amounts of threads, and adding weight to the rods in odd places.

Got into marbling never had the same look twice, no noticable weight added to the rod.

Made each rod very individual...

 

Tight Wraps!  

It takes a lot off practice.

2 reasons. Too much tension or not enough. The right amount of Tension is very important in decorative wraps. It is also a hard process to master. Only through a lot of wraps & practice are u gonna figure it out.

For me I line it up with my layout. Wrap it, and pack very little till the end. Once you figure out that the right packing tool helps a lot. A lot of people use the tip of the packing tool. Use the side or long edge once, it will make packing easier.

I would post a pic but, in the middle of a move and only have my phone for the Internet right now.

Thanks guys.  I figured it was likely too much tension as the off center design is appearing near the center of the wrap and that is when I'm working directly in front of me and where I"m likely adding more tension.  I'll keep practicing as I don't want to attempt a closed wrap until I can consistantly repeat each pass.