How to Wrap a Wire for a Loop

Wire wraps are essential for making wire jewelry.

Wrapping wire loops is a technique often used in jewelry-making and beading. It is used for many functions in jewelry-making, such as attaching wire jewelry to clasps, beads, and other components of the jewelry being made. It is a basic skill when making wire jewelry and will serve many purposes for all jewelers. With a few tools and basic instruction you can wrap wire to make a loop.

Things You'll Need

• 18- to 24-gauge wire
• Round-nose pliers
• 2 pairs chain-nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Jeweler's file

Instructions

1. Cut a 6-inch length of wire. Straighten the wire. Use the chain-nose pliers to grasp one end of the wire and run your finger and thumb firmly along the length of the wire until it is straight.

2. Bend the wire at a 90-degree angle 2 ½ inches down from the end of the wire. Make the bend as sharp as possible.

3. Hold the wire so the 90-degree angle is facing you and the remaining wire is pointed down. Grasp the wire that is pointing at you with the round-nose pliers at the bend in the wire. Bend the wire around the round-nose pliers by twirling the pliers around and away from you, creating a loop in the wire. You may need to loosen and regrasp the wire with the round-nose pliers to complete the loop until the wire is back facing you.

4. Remove the round-nose pliers and adjust the loop so it is even and round. Grasp across the loop to hold it in place with one pair of chain-nose pliers. Wrap the end of the wire several times around the base of the loop and the wire pointed down, using the second pair of chain-nose pliers.

5. Cut the excess wire, using the wire cutters. Smooth any sharp points with the chain-nose pliers or a small jeweler's file.

References

• Beadaroo.com: How to Wire Wrap a Loop
• Fire Mountain Gems: How to Make a Briolette Wrapped Loop

Resources

• Emporia.edu: Wire Wrap Jewelry