Wire-wrapped pendants: three techniques for beginners
Simple loops, a basic cage wrap for stones, and the herringbone weave, using just pliers and craft wire.
Wire wrapping turns a pebble, a bead or a piece of sea glass into a pendant with no soldering and almost no tools.
Wire
Start with 20 gauge (0.8mm) copper craft wire for frames and 26 gauge (0.4mm) for wrapping. Copper is cheap and forgiving. Move to sterling or gold-filled once your hands know the moves.
Tools
Round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, flush cutters, and a nylon-jaw pliers to straighten wire.
Technique 1: Simple and wrapped loops
Bend the wire 90 degrees above a bead, grip with round-nose pliers, roll into a loop. For a wrapped loop, wrap the tail around the neck two or three times before trimming. This is the basis of every earring and dangle.
Technique 2: Cage wrap for stones
Cut two 25cm lengths of 20g wire. Twist together at the middle, cradle the stone, bring the wires around and up, then coil the ends into a bail (the loop for a chain) at the top. Pinch the frame to the stone with chain-nose pliers.
Technique 3: Herringbone weave
Around a bead on a base wire, use 26g wire to wrap over the bead on one side, under the base, over on the other side, repeating. Each pass sits outside the last, making a woven halo.
Finishing
Tuck every wire end with chain-nose pliers so nothing scratches. Polish with a jewellery cloth. Add a jump ring and chain.
Ideas
- Sea glass from a beach walk.
- A tumbled crystal.
- A vintage button.
Post a photo on a plain surface with a coin for scale.
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