How It Works

SMHAEN has a series of photographs on their website (which I have borrowed here) that do great job explain how the tool works.

Step One: Flatten the thread by running the shaft of the needle along it allowing the bobbin to spin freely.

Step Two: Slide the thread to the knob at the end of the needle and allow the small edge of the knob to grip the individual fibers.

Step Three: Pull back slightly to allow the fibers to separate, then push the round knob through to split the thread into two strands.

Step Four: Open the split as long as you need and insert the materials (hackle fibers, hair, dubbing etc.) you wish to dub on the hook. Then spin your bobbin to tighten the thread around the materials and twist them into a dubbing rope.

Note: Only single-ply linear fiber threads can be split. For example: Uni Thread is made from slighty bonded, continuous polyester filaments, and therefore can’t be split