Wire Weaving Project
Wire weaving is technically a lot like other types of weaving techniques; a vertical first element (warp) is interlaced with a horizontal second element (weft) to produce a fabric-like material. It involves the weft crossing over and under the warp to produce texture and contrast. Once the basic techniques are mastered, it would be easy to craft fine pieces using a variety of templates, forms, designs, hues and structures.
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Materials
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Starters can use sterling silver or copper wire for ease of use and various gauges can be selected for a simple project. A wire having 18 gauge to 32 gauge can be ideal to start off with. Other artists work with more advanced materials, such as platinum sheets and high karat gold interlaced by hand with wires. With enough skills, the weft and warp can each be composed of a pair or more wires with some other material.
Tools
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Working with wires entails the use of a wire cutter. Weaving can be done by hand or with the aid of various other tools. Wire weaving kits are also available, which aside from the standard wire cutter, also come with a jig with a vise and a C-clamp for holding the weaving steady, a wooden dowel and a small hammer, small hay hook, file, nut driver, clamp for holding down a single wire strand while weaving, and a metal ruler. There are other projects that require a wire braiding disc. Optional tools include pliers, mandrel, craft knife, roller, flat brush, tweezers, stainless brush and sanding pad.
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Weaving Maneuvers
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One weaving technique is basic or plain weaving, where the weft goes over and under the warp. This technique can use two identical wires or a sheet warp interlocked with a continuous wire for the weft. A second technique, known as the “Soumak technique,” uses two single strands: a thicker one for the warp and a thinner one for the weft. This involves the weft going over two warps and wrapping around another. Both weaving techniques require no loom and are done flat with a small vise for the Soumak, and a thick plastic sheet for the plain.
Applications and Other Considerations
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Because of the intricate and usually lacy designs produced in wire weaving, the most common application is in jewelry making, with precious stones, gems or metal clay used as adjuncts. Copper or sterling silver wires can easily be woven to produce plain ring or bracelet bands which are elegant in their simplicity. Earrings that use wire-woven settings are common. Various sculpted forms can also be produced with wire weaving.
Weaving should be kept tight. Fine silver wire isn’t manageable enough because of its easy breakability and softness. The right wire gauge also hardens while it is worked on, producing stable pieces.
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