How to Make Toggles

Making your own jewelry findings will save you money and will lift your designs above those that are using the same tired commercial findings on all their pieces. A toggle clasp can be used to fasten bracelets, necklaces and anklets, making it a versatile choice. A toggle clasp consists of a bar that goes through a loop and pulls to close. Making a toggle clasp only requires rudimentary wire working knowledge, making it a good choice for beginners to the art form.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 16-gauge wire Wire snips Round-nose pliers Seed beads File

1. Cut a 2-inch and a 3-inch length of jewelry wire. File the ends to remove rough burrs.

2. 

   Wrap the 2-inch length of wire around your round nose pliers to make a loop in the middle. Trim the ends so they are the same length.

3. 

   Make another loop on each end of the wire. This is the toggle bar.

4. 

   Bend the 3-inch length of wire at a right angle 1/2 inch from the end. Thread 15 seed beads onto the long part of the wire.

5. 

   Twist the beaded section of wire around to make a loop. Wrap the bare wire around the 1/2-inch stem and trim the end. Make a loop with the round nose pliers in the 1/2-inch stem. To use the toggle clasp, attach the necklace chain to the toggle bar through the loop.

6. 

   Use the toggle clasp by attaching the necklace chain to the toggle bar through the loop in the center, and to the clasp by attaching the other end of chain to the loop on the stem. Place the toggle bar through the clasp and pull to secure.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make the loop any shape as long as it is large enough for the toggle.

References

• Kabs Concepts