Fly Tying Thread Comparison Chart


Choosing the right fly tying thread is one of the most critical—and most misunderstood—decisions at the vise. Thread choice affects far more than durability alone; it determines how materials seat, how cleanly a fly is built, how much bulk is introduced, and how well a pattern holds up through repeated fish.

The Feather Craft Fly Tying Thread Selection Chart was created to eliminate confusion by organizing threads by fly size, application, and performance characteristics, rather than by brand or marketing claims alone. This reference allows you to evaluate thread types across materials and strengths while understanding how they perform in real tying situations—from ultra-fine dry flies to heavy streamers and saltwater patterns. Whether you’re selecting a thread for a specific pattern, substituting materials based on availability, or dialing in the balance between strength and control, this chart is designed to guide confident decisions. Built from decades of tying experience and refined through constant bench use, it’s a practical tool meant to be returned to again and again—every time thread choice matters.

Fly Size & Application Use Case Thread Type Material Typical Size / Denier Strength Range Best For
MICRO FLIES — Maximum Control (Size 20 & Smaller)
Size 20+ Invisible wraps Spider Web–style Nylon mono 18/0 ~4 oz Clean heads, delicate dries
Size 20+ Competition micro Nano Silk–style GSP 24/0 ~20 oz Smallest flies, flat wraps
Size 20+ Strong micro work Fine GSP / polyester GSP / Polyester 18/0 14–95 oz Micro flies needing tension
Size 20+ Specialized tiny patterns Single-strand fine Poly / Nylon 20/0 ~3 oz Tricos, micro terrestrials
Size 20+ Ultra-fine mono Clear mono Nylon mono 0.1–0.2 mm ~16 oz Ribbing, bodies, invisible finishes
STANDARD DRIES & SMALL NYMPHS — Low Bulk (Size 22–10)
Size 22–10 Smooth control Unwaxed nylon Nylon 6/0 – 70d 15–16 oz Clean dry flies
Size 22–10 Traditional grip Waxed polyester Polyester 6/0 – 12/0 16–18 oz General dry flies
Size 22–10 Fine but strong Light GSP GSP 12/0 ~67 oz Competition dries
Size 22–10 Midge-specific Waxed midge thread Polyester 8/0 16–19 oz Midges, small patterns
LOW BULK + HIGH STRENGTH
Size 22–10 Reinforced standard Strong polyester Polyester 8/0 ~26 oz Heavier dries, small nymphs
Size 22–10 Versatile medium Medium polyester Polyester 6/0 – 8/0 30+ oz General-purpose tying
Size 22–10 Fine GSP Light GSP GSP 50d ~64 oz Strong flies with minimal bulk
NYMPHS, WETS & SMALL STREAMERS — High Strength (Size 20–10)
Size 20–10 Heavy nymphs Mono or waxed poly Nylon / Polyester 115–150d 25–33 oz Beads, wire, tough materials
Size 20–10 Workhorse thread Waxed polyester Polyester 130–150d 29–33 oz Most nymphs
Size 20–10 High-strength GSP Medium GSP GSP 75–100d 98–128 oz Durable nymphs, wets
LARGE FLIES & MAXIMUM STRENGTH
Large flies Large streamers Heavy nylon Nylon 210–230d 53–65 oz Big freshwater & saltwater flies
Large flies Predator patterns Heavy polyester Polyester 220–240d 32–40 oz Pike, musky, deer hair
Large flies Extreme strength Heavy GSP GSP 150–200d 150–250+ oz Saltwater, jigs, maximum pull
Large flies Specialty applications Kevlar / stretch nylon Kevlar / Nylon 200–630d Extreme Heat resistance, underbodies