Thanks to the earlier discussion on Diamonds, I finally understood Chevrons. The simple explaination by Mr. Kirkman and the advice of Mr. Adams to look at Rodbuilderstutorial.com, the light finally came on. I have several books and several tapes on rod building and wrapping, but they all skip the simple explaination of Diamonds and Chevrons and jump to the advanced shapes, objects and patterns. I have been lost until today. Thanks

Now that I have my first Chevron on the rod I did a reverse and its looks real nice. My problem now is two much space in between. If I had done an underwrap this might have been ok, but I was practicing. I have seen a silver "X" done in the center of some, but there must be something else I can do. Thanks again

The Amato book, Rod Building Guide, has a full pictorial chapter on diamonds and chevrons.

Glad you have it figured out. Now all you need to do is just keep at it and until you find the patterns and spacing that appeal to you.

Here's something else you can do - make an underwrap and put some thread inlays at intervals that will show in the center spaces between the chevrons.

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Tom
I went and looked up the book you mentioned. You failed to mention you wrote it.

Got it on order- Thanks

There was a very good pictorial on how to make diamond wraps in a much older copy of the Fenwick rod blank catalog. Probably from the late 1970's or so. It was a great learning tool - still one of the best I've ever seen. I wanted to do something similar but a little more involved. I think you'll find it very easy to follow, but it sounds like you already have the basics figured out.

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If you don't wish to add an additional thread pattern like a diamond or box inside the open
areas between the chevrons you can continue the chevron pattern making it larger thus
reducing the open spaces. You could also add some appliques or decals like letters, fish,
stars, ect.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Here's a pic of an open diamond with waterslide decals in the open spaces. Once I got the decals in place and dried I put the last few wraps on the diamonds to cover the edges of the decals.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Jim,
That is OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thanks Mike.

Chip,
There are all kinds of possibilities for the empty spaces; an underwrap would give you a solid fill, extra offset crosswraps could compliment your main pattern, decals could be pics of your family, favorite fish, lures, etc. or you can calculate your taper offset and just keep wrapping until the empty spaces fill in. Check out "Decorative Wraps" by Billy Vivona, he's put a lifetime of learning curve into his book.