Kimono/Pearsall coordinated numbers

[Terrestrial12]

I agree gossamer is roughly 6/0. So would the Belding silk be bigger or smaller. Idk how how 0.17768mm compares without knowing what pearsalls or anything else measures

[wsbailey]

https://www.flytyer.com/deciphering-thread-size/

[wsbailey]

8CB2CD49-D075-4320-AC12-2507E442AF5D.jpeg (287.3 KiB) Viewed 46907 times

[Terrestrial12]

Hey guys. While looking around trying to find a source to buy kimono silk (other than superior threads) I came across some info that might be helpful. I always ask and hear people always ask "how does it compare to pearsalls"? And the answer is "well it's a little smaller, around 8/0". Well I saw kimono works out to 124 denier. So hope it's helpful and just thought Id share.

[LenaRd]

Anybody have any experience with Belding Corticelli silks? Or how size "A" is in comparison to pearsalls or any other related ought or denier?

From cane rod builders here's a chart of how many wraps it takes to cover a given length with Pearsall's Gossamer and Naples in the mix. Remembering wrapping a rod doesn't include twisting the thread and that Kimono is a 2-strand whereas Pearsall's was 3-strand. The 2-strand types appear to obdurate{flatten out} quite a bit more than the 3-strand when not twisted. I've wrapped Kimono next to YLI in the 100wt version and get +/- 1 wrap per 100. When twisted I've found Kimono the same, or slightly smaller, than Pearsall's for diameter. Definitely stronger and without the annoying breaks/knots Gossamer has.

Chart has a misprint with the Janome being 72 not 7 as shown.

[Kelly L.]

I heard that Persall's was going to stop making the silk, which is a shame. I do have some still, and I am glad to know there are alternatives. Using a huge bobbin to tye small flies with though, does not sound good.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I heard that Persall's was going to stop making the silk, which is a shame. I do have some still, and I am glad to know there are alternatives. Using a huge bobbin to tye small flies with though, does not sound good.

Kelly, Pearsall's went out of business several years ago. Hence, all the questions about finding a suitable replacement. If you have a good supply of the more common colors of Pearsall's, you might want to see what they are selling for on e-bay.

[Kelly L.]

I looked, and yes it was surprising alright. I stopped using Ebay years ago. I could just save my spools once I get done with them, and rewind new thread on them. That is a shame though, as I used a lot lot it in the past. Now for using on fly rods, the bigger bobbin would not be an issue as much. I did glance through some of the alternatives and it is good to know. Some of you have come up with some good ideas on that, so thank you!

[JohnMD1022]

The sewing people have little machines for transferring thread between different sized spools.

They are pretty cheap as I recall.

I had my wife transfer a bunch with her sewing machine, when she still sewed.

[Roadkill]

For transferring thread see my earlier post...
by Roadkill » Feb 20th, '20, 09:31

a tapered metal pin to fit into the bobbins and a plumbing washer drilled to fit enabled me to spin up the silk with my variable speed drill...

IMGP0028 by William Lovelace, on Flickr