Simple wire loops are basic components of handmade jewelry. Knowing how to make them is a skill you will call on often.
Wire loops create headpins, make places to connect the elements of your jewelry and more. Making a loop with wire requires a few tools, but you will use them over and over again for many common wire working techniques. Check out our tutorial and learn how to make simple wire loops for jewelry.
How to Make a Simple Wire Loop for Jewelry
Simple wire loops are basic components you will use again and again in your handmade jewelry projects. Learn the steps here to make strong wire loops that will connect your jewelry elements beautifully.
Materials
- 4-6 inches of jewelry wire. This tutorial shows 20 gauge dead-soft sterling silver wire. (See Notes below for more information on the properties of wire.)
Tools
- Wire Flush Cutters
- Wire Straightening Pliers (Optional, but very helpful)
- Round Nose Pliers
- Chain Nose Pliers
- Fine Metal File
- Metal Bench Block
- Sound Dampening Pad (Optional, but your ears will thank you)
- Chasing Hammer
- Small Rubber or Silicone Mallet
Instructions
- Gather the supplies listed above.
- If the end of your wire is bent, cut of the bent portion and save for another project or use wire straightening pliers to relax the bends. DO NOT try to hammer out the kinks! That will harden the wire and make it difficult to bend into smooth loops.
- With your chain nose pliers, grasp the wire about 1/2-inch from the end. Use a finger from your other hand to push the end of the wire to a 90-degree angle.
- Grasp the tip of the bent wire with your round nose pliers. Where you place the wire along the nose of the pliers will determine the size of your finished loop.
- With a firm grip on the pliers, roll the tip of the wire back toward the 90-degree bend.
- Without removing from the pliers, shift the loop and continue turning to complete the loop.
- Your first bend may have lost its 90-degree angle. If so, reposition the round nose pliers in the loop and bend to reestablish the 90-degree angle.
- Your loop new resembles a lollipop. Tease the loop into a closed position with your round nose pliers until no gap remains.
- Now that the loop is formed, you will want it strong enough to hold your jewelry together! It's time to work harden your loop on the bench block, using either the chasing hammer or rubber mallet. If using a chasing hammer, tap very gently numerous times, taking care to not flatten the wire too much, making it brittle. There are times that a flattened look will enhance your design. Using a rubber or silicone mallet will harden the wire without distorting it, maintaining the roundness of the wire.
- Here is the finished simple wire loop as it looks inserted into a 1-inch brown impression jasper disc bead.
Notes
All tools are specifically for jewelry making. Household tools will not offer the precision needed for fine wire work.
Wire for jewelry making varies is material, size and hardness and your choice will vary depending on your project.
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Sterling or fine silver is very pliable and easy to work with. Copper is another popular metal for wire working, and is more economical than silver. Craft wire varies from brand to brand.
Wire size is called gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire. 12-gauge is used in heavier jewelry than ultra-fine 30-gauge. Heavier wire, 16-gauge and thicker, can require special tools (and strong hands).
The most common hardness choices are dead-soft, half-hard and full-hard, with dead-soft being the most pliable. Most project instructions will specify the preferred hardness to use.
Recommended Products
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25MM Dual Head Nylon Rubber Hammer Jewelers Metal Mallet -
Beadalon Chasing Hammer, Beige -
Beadaholique Solid Metal Bench Block Wire Hardening and Wire Wrapping Tool -
Needle File Set, 6 Pieces Hand Metal Files, Hardened Alloy Strength Steel Set Includes Flat, Flat Warding, Square, Triangular, Round, and Half-Round File -
The Beadsmith Simply Modern Chain Nose Pliers, 4.5 inches (114mm) with polished steel head, PVC grip handles and double-leaf springs, tool for jewelry making -
The Beadsmith Round Nose Pliers - Casual Comfort Series - 5.75 inches (146mm) - Polished Steel Head, Comfort Grip Handle & Double-leaf Spring, European Design & Quality, Tool for Jewelry Making -
The Beadsmith Double Nylon Jaw Chain Nose Pliers, 4.75 inches (120mm), Black PVC Comfort Grip Handle, with Double Leaf Spring, protects wire when bending and looping -
The Beadsmith Vintaj Ergonomic Round-Nose Flush Cutters, Jewelry Making and Repair Tool
Once you learn how to make a simple wire loop, you’ll be using it in all of your jewelry making. From pendants to earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Simple wire loops are one of the basic techniques in making your own jewelry.
It’s fun to experiment with different types and thicknesses (called gauges) of wire to get a feel for your favorites. When just starting out, copper wire is a good choice. It’s easy to work with and is more economical than silver for practice pieces. It’s not quite as malleable as dead soft sterling silver, but you can bend it, coil it, shape it and hammer it to make beautiful jewelry. And it looks great! You can even oxidize it for an antiqued look.
As you build your collection of jewelry tools, look for the best quality you can afford. There really is a difference! You want tools that will help you achieve smooth, consistent results. After a bit of practice you will be on your way to making jewelry that you will love to wear.
Browse through more handmade jewelry inspiration and projects on Create Whimsy.
