This thesis simultaneously deals with elastic and viscous rods. Their dynamics is ruled by the same set of equations (Kirchhoff equations) despite a difference in their constitutive laws. Using a Lagrangian framework for describing viscous rods lead us to the Discrete Viscous Rods simulator. It was validated against the classic results for the viscous coiling of a filament falling down towards a surface similar to what happens when pouring honey onto a toast. We then studied the fluid mechanical sewing machine. A thin viscous thread falls onto a moving conveyer belt and lays down in a wealth of complex "stitch" patterns depending on the belt speed and the fall height. A numerical phase diagram for the patterns was produced and reproduced th...