Thursday, August 16, 2012

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.

13 comments:

  1. It's a great tutorial, very clear and concise, and I love the piece you're working on!

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  2. Hello:-)
    I can admit; I am not skilled at making the jewelry of this kind,but I have watched and read this tutorial with the attention,admiring each step of the loop You've made to this pretty gemstone drop.The tutorial si so legible and clear,that even me,who hasn't made any jewelry of this kind in my whole life,can use it,if the need arose:-)
    The 'drop' looks as ready made,wonderful pendant this way.

    Warm Greetings from still sunny and warm Sweden-Halinka-

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  3. Thank you SO muh for doing this tutorial for me!!! I love it! I have seen other tuts for this, but I like how you have explained things. I think I am all set to try it out!.

    One other thing I have trouble with is the "tucking under" part in the end. If the wire is tightly wrapped, as it should be, then how do you tuck the wires under in the end?

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  4. So glad this helps Kashmira. At the end I push the wire up as close as possible to the rest of the wrap. I am trying to make it as flush to the base as possible. I normally don't tuck it under as that would make a bump. But some people do - especially if they've done a short wrap. With a short wrap you may still have space underneath (the hollow within the wrap itself). But if you've done a longer wrap - you won't be able to do this. With longer wraps many people do a swirl with the end and pull it on top of the wrap to create a stylish finish. However, I find if your wire isn't thick enough this 'swirl' ending to your wire doesn't seem to want to stay in place.

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  5. Great pictures with the tutorial! This is going to be helpful to many people!

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  6. Wow, your jewelry is gorgeous! I know it takes quite a bit of time and patience for this type of craft work. Wonderful tutorial! I hope you will stop by again to visit me. Have a great evening.

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  7. I've always wondered how people make jewelry. This is a great tutorial!

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  8. Oh ... and I meant to add ... thanks for stopping by my blog today. I'm following you, too!

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  9. Well done! Hugs P.S> thank you for sharing at the hop my friend :-)

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  10. Great tutorial - very clear and straight forward:)

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  11. Well done. Very clear, nice details. It is very helpful. I am following you too. Thanks for dropping at my blogspot! Dita.

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  12. Thanks for the follow! Great tutorial by the way! I will see you around ;)

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