Hey @smalljaw67, don't know if you've seen this, but I'm going to make one of these. It should make tying whip knots around those silicone tabs easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbsU3KAi8e4
UPDATE: I went to the guy's website and he is now selling them. $20 + $5 shipping.
http://thefrugalflyrodder.com/whip-finishing-tools/