I saw this YouTube video and just had to give it a try.
I went crazy, making hopper legs from all kinds of different herl materials (ostrich plume, pheasant tail, peacock herl, turkey tail, etc.).
All you need is a safety pin and some pliers to make your own hopper leg tool.
TIPS/TRICKS:
- Try to find a safety pin with a medium to heavy wire diameter. The thickness of the wire helps hold the loop apart, making it easier to form the loop knot and position the knot exactly where you want it.
- Pinch the tip of the herl where you want the knot to be formed. You will quickly get a feel for where to hold the tips, to position the knot.
- You can form multi-jointed leg segments by tying multiple knots. Start with the knot furthest from the tip. Tie the first leg joint (knot), then repeat process further along the herl to form additional joints (knots).
- Peacock herl fibers can be twisted together to form extended body segments. In this case, I'd recommend using five or six strands of herl, to form a thicker body.
Anyways, I really enjoyed this little YouTube video and playing around with different materials. Give it a try!
... who'd a thunk it? 
). 