How to Weave Wire Bracelets

Weave wire and beads into a striking bracelet.

Weaving thin wire into a bracelet is not difficult. You can create a striking bracelet that mimics twig branches by weaving the wire into stems and topping the stems with round beads. This is a good project for teenagers, and the finished bracelets make beautiful gifts. Make one with an inexpensive wire and glass beads to perfect your wire weaving technique. When you've gotten the method down pat, graduate to silver wire and semi-precious stones for a hand-made woven bracelet to treasure.

Things You'll Need

• 1 spool of 28-gauge wire
• 55 round glass beads of one color
• Wire cutters
• Metal file
• Hook and eye clasp

Instructions

1. Slide all 55 glass beads on to the wire.

2. Wrap the loose end of the wire around the hook of the clasp several times to secure the wire end. Cut the wire and file the end smooth to prevent scratching your skin.

3. Slide one bead down the wire until it is a half-inch from the clasp hook. Hold the wire vertically, with the hook at the bottom. Bend a piece of wire that is closer to the spool over the bead. Twist the bent wire with the wire coming from the bead base to secure the bead in place. Continue twisting the two pieces of wire until the twisted wire meets the hook.

4. Continue sliding beads up the wire half an inch. Bend the wire near the spool around the bead, and wrap that wire with the wire coming from the bead base to secure the bead. Continue sliding beads to 1/2-inch from the previous end twist, bending and twisting the wire to secure the beads, until the bracelet fits around your wrist.

5. End by wrapping 2 inches of the remaining wire around the eye clasp of the hook several times to secure it, cutting the wire and filing it down.

References

• "Creating Wire Jewelry"; Kathy Peterson; 2001
• "Making Colorful Wire and Beaded Jewelry"; Linda Jones; 2006