In this guide, I will try to show you how to wrap a basic Chevron pattern. This is a rod I built for a friend of mine.
    Step 1: First begin with the underwrap. In this wrap I used a blue metallic size A thread. It is important that you use a thin thread such as size A or B so that the thread you use on top of it will not dig in. Make the wrap as long as you want the complete wrap. In the third picture, I already wrapped the trim and underwrap for the first guide. Once you have finished the underwrap, you will need to burnish it so that the threads become tight together. Use a burnishing tool or some other polished plastic or metal tool.

Step 2: Mark the underwrap using a china marker with the even spacing where you want the cross lines to be.  I normally make the spacing about the same diameter and the blank and align them with the top of the reel seat for diamond, fish, star, chevron style wraps.
Step 3: Start wrapping with a your desired colored thread. It is important that you choose a thicker size like D or E. Go over the markings you made earlier.

Step 4: When you reach the end of the wrap, continue wrapping down and making the cross "x" pattern. The center of the "X" should is right on the markings you made.

Step 5: When you are finished with the first wrap, tie it to the blank (near the winding check).
Step 6: Take a piece of thread and tape it aligned with the reel seat in a straight line. Use this to align the complete wrap in one straight line (as shown above to the left). Adjust if necessary using a blunt object. At this point you must also measure the spacing between the "X's" using a simple ruler. Do this on both the top and bottom side of the wrap.

Step 7: Now you are ready to start adding other colored thread.
Here, I added the same metallic blue in front of the initial black wrap. You can achieve different effects by changing the direction of the wraps. But for the Chevron, we will continue wrapping to the right (front).

 
You may add as many colors as you wish. I added some silver to give the wrap more shine.

  Step 8: This is when I decided to stop adding colors. Note the use of black thread again to give it more body. Also note how all the thread is tied to the bottom of the wrap.


Step 9: Select the space in the top (front) of the wrap where you want to block off with an Overwrap. Wrap on top of the design with Black Thread, and when you reach about 1/2 from the edge, secure the Black Thread with masking tape and then cut VERY CAREFULLY the end of the wrap with a razor or Exacto Knife. DO NOT cut the underwrap.

Once you have cut the wrap, continue wrapping and double back over the previous wrap, and pull the tag end under you have reached the starting point. Do the same to the bottom part of the wrap. Make sure that the size of the bottom overwrap is equal to the top overwrap.

Step 10: Finished wrap


Lastly, if you are using regular nylon thread, keep in mind that the epoxy finish will soak in the thread and change the colors to a deeper and darker hue. Epoxy finish usually enhance the intensity of Metallics and black thread.
If you would like to protect the original colors, try using Flexcoat Color Preserver or U-40 Color Lock. You can also wrap with NPC type thread which does not absorb epoxies.

Once you have mastered this simple wrap, you can let your imagination do most of the work. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors.

Have Fun!
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