Thursday Favorites: Wire Wrapping Tutorial

I had a request for a tutorial on wire wrapping. I've never done a tutorial before, so I hope this is clear! This is a quick demonstration for how to do a double wire wrap.  I used a large stone (African Opal) and 22 gauge wire so hopefully the steps are easy to see. And just for ease, I also used a larger type size.


Step 1: Thread the wire through the top drill hole and leave an equal amount of wire on either side - about an inch to an inch & a half on either side. 


Pinch the wire together at the top of the stone to create a little triangle with the wire. I like to hold the pliers flat so I can make sure I make the loop tightly across the top (shown in Step 2).

Step 2: To create the loop, wrap both wires side-by-side around the round-nose pliers. 

Step 3: I use my flat pliers to pull the wire around. Start with one of the wires so that they are opposite each other. Watch the wire wrap to make sure that they wrap tightly -- one on top of each other. This will create a smooth wrap vs. clumping on top of one another.

Step 4: Pull the opposite wire around and tuck it right up next to the other. Again watching to make sure that it stacks right beneath the other wire and creates a smooth wrap. Continue this process for 3-4 more wraps (to the desired size and shape you want with your wrap).

Note: Some people prefer to continue wrapping all the way down the stone to cover up the threading, so if that is the case then add a little extra length to the wire. 

Step 5: Once you've finished wrapping, again keep the wires opposite each other and cut the ends. This way you can tuck each end up against the bottom of the wrap for a more level base.

Step 6: Tuck the last of the wire up to the base of the wrap and smooth/ adjust the wrap for any places where it might look a little out of line.