How to Make a Wire Brooch Pin

Trim excess craft wire with wire cutters.

Pin brooches can add a decorative element to outfits. Brooches can take a variety of shapes and be made of plain wire or have other decorative elements added. If you like the look of brooches but can't find exactly what you want, try creating your own wire pin brooch. While a safety pin can serve as a way to attach your handcrafted brooch to your clothing, you can also make a hook and pin with craft wire.

Things You'll Need

• Craft wire
• Wire cutters
• Wire jig
• Pliers
• Decorative items
• Amazing GOOP
• Jewelry hammer
• Jewelry file

Instructions

1. Snip a length of craft wire long enough to create your brooch pin using a pair of craft wire cutters. Allow for 4 extra inches at each end.

2. Arrange the pegs on a wire jig in a "V" shape with approximately 1 inch between them. Loop the craft wire around the pegs beginning in the center and working your way out to ensure the design is centered. Leave a straight 4-inch tail at both ends for the pin.

3. Lift the wire from the jig when you are satisfied with the shape of your brooch. Add beads, buttons or other decorative elements to your brooch if you want to include them. Thread the elements directly onto the wire or attach using Amazing GOOP adhesive.

4. Shape the excess wire ends with a pair of pliers to make them straight. Hammer the ends gently with a jewelry hammer to harden them. Snip or file one end at an angle to form the point of the pin to insert through fabric. File the point slightly to round it.

5. Turn the opposite end of the wire to form a hook and snip excess wire. Twist the straight pin end with pliers so you can insert the pin behind the hook. Adjust with pliers as necessary so the pin will keep tension when you insert it behind the hook and will not come loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Craft wire with a higher gauge number is thinner than wires with lower gauge numbers and will be easier to twist but less likely to hold a firm shape.

• Create different designs by changing the location of the pegs on your wire jig. Always start in the center regardless of the design.

References

• WigJig University: Making Pins
• CraftyPod: How to Make a Button-and-Wire Brooch

Resources

• Jatayu: Basic Wire Skills