Wire wrapping is a unique and fun way of making jewellery. Covering anything from simple loops to twisted wire and intricately wrapped gemstones, this is a jewellery making technique that can allow you to truly be as creative as possible.
With wire wrapping there is no limit to the type of jewellery you can create. Once you have mastered flexibly wrapping your wire it is possible to create pieces with no requirement for any additional work or extra equipment. For this reason, wire wrapping is one of the less complex styles of jewellery making that anyone can learn.
What do I need to know about wire wrapping
Wire wrapped jewellery is exactly how it sounds; jewellery made by wrapping wire in intricate patterns and shapes. In order to make wire wrapped jewellery you will need to practice working with wire and understanding how to manipulate and wrap it into shape.
Wire wrapped jewellery can include rings, earrings and pendants and can often include gemstones.
In order to make wire wrapped jewellery you need to understand what different types of wire you can work with and what tools you need.
Types of Wire
If you are new to wire wrapping it is best to start practicing with copper wire. Copper wire is cost effective and malleable making it a great starting point when practicing your skill. Brass wire is also an option however it can be a little harder to work with. Use these base metal wires to learn how to move your wire in circles, wrap it around and achieve a smooth finish without any kinks.
Once you are ready you can move up to making wire wrapped jewellery with silver and gold. Fine silver is a softer choice of wire but sterling silver and yellow gold wire add a great look and finish.
What Size Wire do you need?
Wire is sold in different thickness sizes. When first starting it is a good idea to start with a thin wire, with the smallest size starting from 0.2mm. Thin wires are incredibly easy to manipulate and are ideal when you are at first just practicing your technique. Once you are more at ease with wire wrapping you can work with thicker sizes like 2mm wire which is considered a great size for rings and bracelets or 3mm and 4mm sized wire which are ideal for chunkier designs.
Tools For Wire Wrapping
Pliers are an essential tool when working with wire. There are a range of pliers that can help when wrapping wire, these include snipe nose pliers and wound nose pliers that are great for bending and creating loops, whilst nylon jaw pliers are ideal for straightening out wire and half round pliers are great for curves. If you are new to jewellery making and want to work with wire then a pliers set is a great starting point.
Practice makes perfect so take your time to work your wire with each plier and get to grips with what each is best for.
Read more of our wire wrapping guides and don’t forget to take a look at our dedicated wire wrapping hub which is designed to help you get started on your wire wrapping journey.
Get started on your wire wrapping journey today. A creative and fun style of jewellery making where the options are endless.
Cooksongold