Dragon Scale — an easy wrap with big visual impact

The vast majority of wraps are based on crossing and aligning threads of different colors. However, you can also add relief and special reflections to your bindings by laying them over a grid. This technique—named for the illusion it creates—is called “Dragon Scale.” In this tutorial, here’s how to do it simply.

Prerequisites and materials

To make a “Dragon Scale” wrap, you’ll need drywall joint tape to create the raised grid, and size D metal thread, which makes the job easier and enhances the relief.

Choose colors that are neither too dark nor too light so the light reflections can really pop. Red, blue, orange, or metallic greys produce a striking result.

Step 1: cut the tape and mark the placement

Cut a length of drywall tape about 2–3 cm wide (depending on the blank’s diameter). On one side, cut flush with the transverse threads; on the other, cut along a longitudinal thread to achieve a perfect seam. Length depends on the area to cover: plan for 1.5 to 2 times the wrap length. Splices are possible—and invisible—if you work cleanly.

Mark on the blank the zone that will receive your Dragon Scale.

Step 2: apply the tape

Stick the cut tape onto the blank, just ahead of the desired zone, at about a 45° angle. As you wind it, keep the mesh tight and contiguous, with enough tension to avoid any loose sections. Hold everything in place with painter’s tape tabs.

Using a fresh utility-knife blade, cut the tape perpendicular to the blank along your reference mark.

Step 3: start the wrap

Begin the wrap slightly before the tape, pulling the turns snug.

Then gradually climb onto the tape. The bobbin holder’s tension should not be excessive so you can “pack” the wrap properly and avoid any show-through of the tape or blank.

Reposition the turns as you go: the transition over the tape is the trickiest point.

Step 4: continue the wrap

Proceed as usual, ensuring the turns are tight and contiguous.

Step 5: trim the tape again

A few turns before where you want the Dragon Scale to end, cut the tape perpendicular to the blank with a perfectly sharp blade.

Step 6: lock and reverse direction

Where the thread “comes down” off the tape, a visible gap often appears as the wrapping thread nests against a tape thread. To avoid this, lock the wrap about 1 cm before the end of the tape, flip the blank, then start a new wrap in the opposite direction: this one will “climb” onto the tape instead of coming off it.

Step 7: finish

Pick up at Step 3 until you meet the first wrap. Maintain relatively high tension at the final lock so the last turn nests cleanly. For a neat finish, ensure there are no gaps and no overlapping turns.

Step 8: varnish

Apply the finish, carefully remove bubbles, and briefly pass the flame of an alcohol lamp along the length to level it uniformly. Some air will inevitably be trapped in the grid: check back regularly to ensure no bubbles form.

Once the varnish sets, the play of light will reveal the full aesthetic impact of the Dragon Scale.