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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