Wire Wrapping Basics

Wire Wrapped Jewelry is easy to create! This resource page will help beginners with getting started.

Wire Types and Gauges

Two Main Types: German Style and Craft Wire

German Style Wire is Medium-Hard wire that is best for creating strong shapes and forms, such as Simple Loops, Jump Rings, Shapes and Frames.

Craft Wire is Soft and is best for wrapping and coiling around forms.

Wire gauges get smaller as the number goes up. Standard gauges used in jewelry making, in order of smallest to largest, typically are: 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, and 16.

Main Techniques:

Simple Loops - Video Guide

Which wire do I need? Simple Loops are best worked with 22 or 20 gauge German Style Wire. 20 gauge Craft Wire may also be used.

What Tools do I need? You will need round nose, chain nose, and flat nose pliers as well as flush cutters. You may also need a tape measure or ruler.

Wrapped Loops - Video Guide

Which wire do I need? Wrapped Loops are best worked with 22 or 24 gauge German Style wire, or 24, 22, and 20 gauge Craft Wires.

What Tools do I need? You will need round nose, chain nose, and flat nose pliers as well as flush cutters. You may also need a tape measure or ruler.

Wire Wrapping Onto a Form - Video Guide

Which wire do I need? When wrapping onto a form, smaller gauges such as 26, 24, and 22 gauges are best. Both German Style and Craft wires work for this technique.

What Tools do I need? You will need round nose, chain nose, and flat nose pliers as well as flush cutters. You may also need a tape measure or ruler and a set of Nylon Jaw Pliers.

Creating Strong Forms - Video Shows Creating a Beaded Form, then wrapping decoratively over the form.

Which wire do I need? Creating Forms, Clasps, and Frames are best worked with large gauges such as 20, 18, and 16 gauge German Style Wire, or 18 to 16 gauge Craft Wire.

What Tools do I need? You will need round nose, chain nose, and flat nose pliers as well as flush cutters. You may also need a tape measure or ruler.