Thursday 14 March 2013

Wire wrapped links Tutorial

Making wire wrapped link units is a great way to build any length of necklace. Mix and match the units to create your own style.

This necklace uses three different units - a three bead black set, a large Lapis lazuli rectangle and a lapis lazuli coin. Each unit is made separately then joined together with jump rings.

Here is how to make each link unit :-

For each unit you will need

4 inches 0.6 to 0.8mm wire.
Your choice of beads or a large focal bead

Round nosed pliers, flat nosed pliers, side snips.


1. Thread your chosen bead/bead set onto the spool of wire.

















2. Using the round nosed pliers, make a right angle bend a good inch from the end of the wire. Use the round nose pliers to make a loop, bringing the tail back to where it started, as shown below.



















3. Wrap the tail around the wire using your fingers, or gently with pliers at the end of the wire, still holding the loop with your round nosed pliers. Make 2 or three turns.



















4. Use side snips to trim the excess wire, use flat nosed pliers to gently squash the end flat to the wire so it doesn't catch.


















5. Cut the wire from the spool, leaving a good inch between the end of the wire and the bead. Make a loop in the same way as above.


















You now have a wired link which can be joined with as many units as you like to make the desired length.  Mix and match different units to create your design - I used five each of the two Lapis beads and 10 black bead units.
To join the links open a 7mm jump ring, thread on 2 units, close the jump ring. Add a jump ring and a new unit to one end. Continue until you have used all your units. Join the 2 ends with another jump ring.

There are endless design possibilities with this one and it is easy to adjust the design as you go.

Hope you can try this one out - have fun,

Janice x

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19 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tutorial and loving the beads and the necklace.

    Hugs
    Linda xxx

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  2. Hello, great tutorial and love the set very pretty. Lisa :)

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  3. So clever Janice. I love the tutorial.
    xx

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  4. Great tutorial - these are so useful! Thanks for sharing.
    xx

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  5. I have never made jewelry but have a neighbor who does. You make it look easy:)

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  6. Great tutorial - love the blue necklace.

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  7. Thank you so much for the tutorial. The blue necklace is stunning x

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  8. Great tutorial, thanks. Love the lapis lazuri necklace.

    Sylvia xx
    Crafty Bloggers Network Design Team

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  9. Fab tutorial, thank you. Great necklace too!!!
    xx

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  10. Great tutorial, I especially love the lapis necklace, Px

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  11. Beautiful necklace Janice - thank you for the tutorial.

    Joan x

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  12. Wow - your finish is so professional. Thank you for sharing the tutorial.

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  13. Nice tutorial. thanks for sharing :) love the blue beads from the necklace in the 1st photo :)

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  14. Looks like a great tutorial, although I'm no use at all with wire and beads!!

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  15. Love the tutorial - really clear and the beads are gorgeous!

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  16. Thank you so much for the tutorial

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  17. Ohh thanks for sharing that's a great technique I must give it a go xxx stunning makes to xx

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  18. Great tutorial, but I never manage to get my loops as neat as that!

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  19. Fab tutorial - never tried wire wrap jewellery, but I could be tempted to give it a go now :-) Simmi xx

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