How to Twist Wire for Jewelry Making

Using wire in your jewelry making can help you create beautiful art. However, you must first learn how to twist the wire with the right tools and the proper technique. You can master this skill in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• Round-nosed pliers
• Bent or chain-nosed pliers

Instructions

1. Determine the gauge of wire. For most projects, 26- to 20-gauge wire is a good choice. Beads and jewels probably won't string onto thicker wire, which can be more difficult to bend and shape.

2. Use wire cutters. Depending on the gauge of the wire, you may be able to cut it with a pair of scissors and or by bending it back and forth until it snaps, but wire cutters are faster and neater.

3. Hold one end of the wire between your fingers and use either a bent or chain-nosed pliers to bend the wire into an upside-down L shape. If you're using a 26- or 24-gauge wire, you also can bend the wire with your fingers.

4. Place your roundnosed pliers in the crook of the upside-down L shape. With your bent or chain-nosed pliers, twist the wire around the round-nosed pliers to form a loop.

5. Twist one end of the wire around the other side of the wire to end your loop. Continue creating loops and wrapping the wire until your project is complete.