Hi Folks
I would like to show you 3 methods I use when working with tippets. First of all I apologise for the lack of body and hackle which makes tying a tad more difficult. I wanted to get this out quick so people could use this immediately if they wish. So tying on a bare hook is dead easy.
First of all we will start with tippets in strips, when this is mentioned in a dressing you automatically realise it will be a small pattern as you have to use bigger tippets than you require, you would cut out 2 strips from a left and right handed feather, pair them up and moisten the tying in section. Now tie on with 3 turns which is sufficient and mount it like a married wing lets say. Being a right hand tier my left hand is gripping the show ends of the tippets and after trapping in, gently easing your left hand and arch them back towards the bend, this will keep them low and if you are lucky enough you will get a nice taper.
Tippets in strands: for this one you only need one large single feather. Hold your feather upright and violently strip a bunch of tippets off. This will keep them in tacked and also keep a bit of rachis attached. Once you have done both sides pair them up and mount. Normally with a body and hackle on this will kick your tippets up to roughly a 45 degree angle, don't worry about this and if you are mounting a mixed wing or a built wing this will force your tippets to sit down low.
Full tippets: I have never been comfortable with cutting or stripping sections off full tippets and as Ryan has mentioned I have not seen this in any old classic. I believe they used spit to tame them and I have included 3 photos, 1 starting off with a normal pair, 2nd photo I have moistened them in my mouth to lower them, 3rd and final one was re-moistened again to lower further still. Meanwhile, I would get on with making up any wing I desire and mount, by this time the tippets will be dry and will not interfere with your winging. Finally, this may look all too easy on a bare hook but I'm sure with a little practice you will work it out. BTW all pics. have 3 turns of unwaxed thread.
I hope this is of some help to some of you.
Best regards Mike