Wire-wrapping is a technique that’s been used for centuries. It’s an easy way to add color, texture, and pattern to your jewelry pieces.
You’ll need some basic tools like pliers and wire cutters, along with some knowledge of techniques like basic loops and spirals. Once you get the basics down, it’ll be easy!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Wire wrapping is a versatile and rewarding technique for creating beautiful jewelry designs. |
| – To get started with wire wrapping, you’ll need a few basic tools and some wire in various gauges. |
| – There are many different wire wrapping techniques you can learn, from basic wraps to more complex designs. |
| – Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things when wire wrapping – you never know what kind of creative ideas you might come up with! |
| – If you’re looking to learn more about wire wrapping, there are plenty of resources available online, including tutorials, videos, and forums where you can connect with other wire wrapping enthusiasts. |
The Basic Wire-Wrapping Loop
In this section, we’re going to learn how to make the basic wire-wrapping loop. There are three different ways you can do this:
The first way is by wrapping around your finger until you reach the desired size, then cutting off any excess wire with a pair of flush cutters. This method works well for small loops and spirals, but it tends to leave a little bit of extra wire at the end that can be difficult to work into your design later on. (You may also consider using beeswax to help secure these ends.)
The second way is by using round-nose pliers and bending each side inwards so that they meet in the middle. You can also use flat-nose pliers if you want cleaner lines—just be careful not to squeeze too hard or else they’ll bend out of shape! Once they’re both bent outwards again, simply twist them together as shown above (this will create an eyelet).
Lastly, there’s always option number three: wrapping around something else like a toothpick or matchstick tip instead! It will take some practice before getting used to working with these smaller diameters but once mastered could really add variety when trying new designs or adding finishing touches onto existing ones before sealing them up with epoxy glue later down below…
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Spiral Wrap
You’ve heard of the spiral wrap, but do you know how to make it?
A spiral wrap is essentially a series of loops that are made in the same direction. The result is a beautiful and eye-catching piece of jewelry.
Here’s how to create your own:
Start with a wire that is about 11 inches long and bend one end into an “L” shape (see image 1). Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect; you can fix mistakes by twisting the wire at each point where there are gaps or overlaps later on.
Bead Wraps
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create a bead wrap.
A bead wrap is a great way to add color and texture to your wire-wrapping project. This works especially well for jewelry pieces that have lots of open space, like earrings or chokers.
You can mix and match beads in any pattern you like if you want an extra burst of color, try using multiple colors of the same sized beads on one side! The possibilities are endless!
European 4-in-1
European 4-in-1 is a great chain for beginner wire wrappers. It’s made by wrapping the wire around itself four times and then passing it through the loop. This creates a secure, strong piece of jewelry that can be used in many different projects.
To start this project you will need:
- Wire cutters
- Wire stripper (optional)
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Square Ring Chain
You’re going to want to use 1.5mm wire for this step we’ll explain why later on. It’s also helpful to use a square ring mandrel (available at any online craft store or jewelry supply shop) if you have one available for working with your pieces just be sure it fits the size of your square rings!
Byzantine Chain
Byzantine chain is a type of wire wrapping where the end result is a chain with very little space between each ring. This tutorial will show you how to create Byzantine chain, step by step.
The first thing you need to do is make three rings that are the same size and shape. You can use any kind of ring as long as it has an inlay or hole in the center so that your wire can pass through it. Once you’ve made your rings, set them aside while we get started on making our Byzantine chain.
Herringbone Chain
Herringbone chain is a variation of the 4-in-1 chain. Instead of making it by wrapping wire around one single wire, you’ll wrap it around two parallel wires in a herringbone pattern. This creates a strong chain that can be used for bracelets and necklaces.
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Round and Flat Maille Rope Chains
Round and flat maille rope chains are two of the most popular chain types. They can be made using a variety of different wire gauges, but I recommend using 18-gauge round or 20-gauge square wire for these projects.
Round maille rope chains are made by wrapping the wire around a mandrel, while flat maille rope chains are constructed by twisting two pieces of wire together to form a flat shape. This means that any shape can be created simply by making multiple links in that same shape!
| Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Jewelry-making chain types |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Tools Needed | Wire cutters, pliers |
| Materials Needed | Wire (18-gauge round or 20-gauge square in copper, silver, or gold) |
| Process | 1. Create jump rings from wire |
| 2. Weave jump rings together to form the chain | |
| 3. Alternate ring sizes and styles for added texture and dimension | |
| Advantages | Versatile chain types for different jewelry designs |
| Brands | Artistic Wire, BeadSmith, Rio Grande |
The Round and Flat Maille Rope Chains table summarizes the information about the two popular chain types, including the skill level required, tools and materials needed, steps to follow to create the chain, and their advantages for jewelry-making. It also provides brand recommendations of popular makers of wires and chains.
Beaded Spiral Rope Chain
To make a beaded spiral rope chain, simply string on the beads as you go. You can choose to add beads in a spiral, or you can add them along every other link in a circular pattern. The choice is yours!
If you’re using larger beads that need to be strung onto the wire (which means they’ll hang below it instead of sitting between two links), first use chain-nose pliers to bend each end of your wire slightly outward so it will sit level and flat against itself without rolling over or twisting.
Then attach a bead by sliding it onto one end of the wire; when it’s secure, hold both ends together with your fingers until again squared off.
Once all of your desired beads are strung onto one side of each length, create another 10mm jump ring from scrap wire and attach this closed loop on top (or bottom) through which all four lengths will pass you could also just cut off an old necklace chain here if you don’t have any jump rings handy.
Now take two pieces from opposing sides and twist them together gently but firmly enough so they don’t slip apart again when released this creates an “eye” for attaching yet another jump ring(s). Do this several times until all eight pieces have been joined into one continuous piece by means longer than their combined lengths would otherwise allow
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Connector Links and Chains with Rings, Jump Rings and Separators
- Connector Links
- Jump Rings
Jump rings are used to connect your wraps and links together. They are available in several sizes; I prefer to use the 1mm size, but if you want more intricate designs, go with 1.5mm or 2mm jump rings. It’s important that the jump ring fits through your wrapped loop securely (so it doesn’t pull out), but not so tight that it won’t come apart when you need it too.
Separators: When weaving multiple strands together, one of the most common mistakes is accidentally twisting two strands together. To avoid this problem and any kinks in your design, use separators between each strand when weaving them together to create a flat braid instead of an intertwined knot like this one:
Viking Knit Chain
Viking Knit Chain is a lot like European 4-in-1 but with a twist. It involves making a jump ring by folding the wire and wrapping it around itself, taking care to enclose the opening in the middle of the folded piece of wire.
The result is similar to a square knot; you will have two parallel strands connected at each end, but they’ll be twisted together so that when you bend them, you get an eyelet shape with four sides instead of two.
Although Viking Knit Chain looks intricate, it’s actually quite easy to make once you get used to repeating the same motions over and over again for each jump ring that you make. You don’t need any special tools other than pliers (and maybe needle nose pliers), so this project requires no additional equipment!
| Data | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Jewelry-making technique |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Tools Needed | Viking Knitting Tool, wire cutters, pliers, mandrel, jump rings |
| Materials Needed | Wire (copper, silver, or gold in various gauges) |
| Process | 1. Fold wire to create a jump ring |
| 2. Weave wire around the jump ring | |
| 3. Pull the woven piece through a draw plate or tool to compress and smooth it out | |
| 4. Repeat the process until the chain reaches the desired length | |
| Advantages | Can create a unique and intricate chain with a twist on European 4-in-1 |
| Brands | Lazee Daizee Viking Knit Tool by Stephanie Eddy |
The Viking Knit Chain table provides an overview of the jewelry-making technique, including the skill level, tools and materials needed, and the steps to follow to create a chain. It also highlights the advantages of using this technique and a recommendation for a popular brand of tool.
More Ring Chain Ideas
Ring chain is a great way to add some sparkle to your wire-wrapping project. If you’ve made a ring chain and want to share it with us, send an email including a high resolution photo of your work, along with details about how you made it, and we may include it in future posts!
If you want to get fancy with the wrapping technique, try wrapping two pieces of wire together at once. This can make for beautiful designs that mimic intricate Celtic knotwork. You can also use multiple layers of ring chain by alternately placing them at different heights on your wrap as shown below:
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Conclusion
I hope that this tutorial has helped you understand how to wire wrap. It’s a beautiful and useful art form, and it can be used in many ways to create beautiful jewelry pieces.
The best thing about wire-wrapping is that there are no hard rules or restrictions on what you can do! You can make whatever type of piece you want as long as your imagination allows it.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about wire wrapping, check out the following resources:
Wire Wrapping 101: Wire Wrapping Tips for Jewelry Making by Beadaholique – An in-depth guide to wire wrapping techniques and tools for jewelry making.
Wire Jewelry Tutorial: Swirl Ring by OxanaCrafts – A step-by-step video tutorial on how to make a simple wire wrapped swirl ring.
Easy and Simple Wire Wrapped Loops by Beaducation – A video tutorial on how to make wire wrapped loops for jewelry making.
FAQs
What is wire wrapping?
Wire wrapping is a jewelry making technique that involves using wire to wrap beads, stones, and other components together to create intricate designs.
What types of wire are used for wire wrapping?
There are many types of wire that can be used for wire wrapping, including copper, brass, silver, and gold. The type of wire you choose will depend on your personal preference and the design you are creating.
Do I need special tools to do wire wrapping?
While there are some specialized tools that can make wire wrapping easier, such as pliers and wire cutters, you can get started with just a few basic tools like a ruler and a pair of scissors.
Is wire wrapping difficult to learn?
Wire wrapping can be challenging to master, but it is a fun and rewarding craft. With the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, anyone can learn to create beautiful wire-wrapped jewelry.
What are some common wire wrapping techniques?
Some common wire wrapping techniques include creating wire bails, wrapping beads and stones, making wire frames, and creating filigree designs.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
