Are you curious about wire wrapped jewelry but don’t know where to start? We’ve broken down the basics for you! We’ll link to the correct materials and tools and show you how to use key wire wrapping techniques to get started.
Wire wrapping is a great way to get into jewelry making! If you’re considering learning, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will cover the basic tools you’ll need, materials, and a few of the key techniques to get you started. There are several short tutorial videos at the end of the article text.
What is Wire Wrapping?
Wire wrapping is a jewelry making technique using metal wires in a range of thicknesses to form shapes and coils. Wire wrapping artists often incorporate beads and stones into their designs. Plan to start with simple projects to get a feel for your tools and materials. If you choose to advance, you can explore intricate patterns with complex woven elements as your skills grow.
Wire Wrapping Tools
Wire wrapping is the ideal technique to get started with because it doesn’t require investment in a lot of specialized tools. Below are the three key tools you will need for almost any wire wrapping project. For a beginner set of pliers, plan to spend $5-$15 per set. Cutters are a little more at $15-$50 for thicker wire cutting. It is worth getting higher quality cutters that will last.
Round Nose Pliers
Round nose pliers have round, tapered jaws on both sides. These are great for making loops and swirly bits. Because they’re tapered, they allow to you make different sized loops with one tool.
Chain Nose Pliers
Chain nose pliers are flat and tapered to a point. These are used for creating sharp bends and angles, flatting wire, and getting into tiny spaces. They’re also you’re go-to plier for tucking in the ends of wires so they don’t stick out.
Wire Cutters
Cutters are key! You’ll want a decent pair of flush cutters. This means one side of the pliers will cut with a nice flat end, leaving little clean up and no sharp edges.
There are some other tools you might want to consider getting later, like hammers or mandrels for making perfect circles. But what you have on hand at home is often just fine! Anything sturdy and round, like pens or dowel rods, can be great for wrapping wire around to get an even circle.
Wire Wrapping Materials
When it comes to the materials for wire wrapping, there are a lot out there! You’ll mostly be working with round jewelry wire, but may choose to mix in square or half round wire and you become more advanced. When it comes to jewelry wire there are a few things you want to pay attention to - the gauge, or how thick it is, the temper, or how stiff it is, and the material.
Wire Gauges
The gauge of wire used for wire wrapping is really important. Too thick and you’ll have trouble bending it. Too thin and it won’t hold in place. You’ll want to stick between 16 gauge and 26 gauge. The higher the number, the thinner the gauge! You will sometimes use 14 gauge wire for frames and thinner wire, like 28 gauge, for weaving. In the pendant shown nearby, you can see that a heavier wire is used to create the frame for the foundation shape. Then, a very thin wire is coiled around the frame for embellishment and connection. It takes practice and patience to tightly coil your weaving wires. Do not get discourage if your first attempts feel clumsy. Repetition builds skill and confidence.
Below is a chart that outlines what gauge is best for what types of project. It's a great guide for those just starting out!
Wire Temper
This refers to how stiff the wire material is. There are three common tempers - dead soft, half hard, and hard. Dead soft will be your most flexible and easiest to move. Hard will be the most stiff. You’ll want to work with dead soft or half hard, depending on the project. Each time you bend, twist, or move the wire, you are slowly work hardening it, or making it stiffer. Starting with dead soft means you’ll be able to wrap and bend it for your entire project. It is a good rule of thumb to use half hard temper for your thicker frame wires and then dead soft for thinner wires you will coil and work with more intensely.
Metal Selection
The metal you choose will affect how hard it is to wrap - some, by nature, are more stiff than others. But in general, there really are not many limitations! Copper is great for starting out because it’s very malleable, or soft. It is also inexpensive so you can practice without wasting money on pricey materials. Once you’ve practiced a few times, you’ll likely want to move on to silver wire or gold-filled wire.
Wire Wrapping Techniques
Now that we’ve gotten though tools and materials, it’s time for the fun part of actually using them! We’re going to break down how to do 4 basic wire wrapping techniques, with videos!
How to Make a Wire Wrapped Loop
A wire wrapped loop is simple, basic, and something you’ll use across may pieces of wire wrapped jewelry, from simple to more advanced. The loop creates a connection point for drilled beads so you can use jump rings to join different design elements.
How to Make a Wire Wrapped Spiral
Spirals are an easy option to add some extra decoration to simple pieces. Use spirals as finials in your wire wrapped pieces or finish with a wire wrapped loop to make a charm.
How to Do Figure 8 Wire Weaving
As you start to become more comfortable with wire wrapping techniques, adding woven elements is a great way to begin adding more advanced techniques. This video will help you learn how to use thin weaving wires to connect larger frame wires and add visual interest.
How to Make a Bead Wrap Link
Bead wraps are a fun way to introduce additional elements, and even some gemstones, into your pieces. Practice to tightly secure your bead or beads in the center of your wire loops.
