Make a Wrapped Loop
One of the first things beaders learn when starting into wire wrapping and wire weaving is how to make a wrapped loop. They can be used in a variety of ways, dangling as a charm from a chain, as a part of an earring, or connected to other wrapped loops in a necklace.
Steps
- First you have to decide how big you want your loop. Do you want a small loop or a big loop? What are you going to use this for? You also have to consider what tools you want to use. Round nose pliers or chain nose?
- What type of wire do you want to use? 16 or 18 or 20 or 24 or 26 gauge wire? Dead soft, half hard, or full hard? Sterling silver, gold, nickel or pewter? Do you want filled, washed, or plated wire? All these decisions have to be taken into account.
- Once you have your wire and your tools, cut a piece about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Next, find about the middle and bend the wire until one half is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the other. Bend the half you just bent over your round or chain nose pliers until you have a circle or a half circle. then wrap the rest of the wire around the circle or half circle until its all gone or you can cut it after you've wrapped it around a few times.
- To add a bead, simply slip it on the unwrapped end and either repeat above so you have two loops or coil the leftover bit into a swirl.
- Finished.
Tips
- After you've finished straighten up the loops so it doesn't look cockeyed.
- Be creative! This kind of thing is very open for tweaking, playing around and redoing.
Warnings
- Watch for dents made by your pliers. They make the loop look messy and 'homemade' looking. Specialty craft stores sometime sell plastic coated pliers that don't mark up the metal. Its an idea if you want your creations to look superb.
Things You'll Need
- Wire
- Needle Nose or Chain Nose Pliers
- Beads (optional)
