The whip finish gathers the final wraps together at the head. A small open area behind the eye is sufficient, as long as you keep the hackle and wing fibers out of the way of the thread. The tool forms the wraps, and then pulling the thread tightens the loop. The placement of the knot is just as important as the number of wraps: a compact knot prevents the head from becoming too thick when coated with varnish.