See the image below for comparison: Those are the three essential wire wrapping tools for beginners! They can also be used for basic beading (stringing beads) as well as basic wire wrapping! Using flush cutters minimizes the steps required to get nicely finished wire wraps and neat ends on your beaded jewelry. Official website is www.beebeecraft.com. One of the most common questions I get from readers is, “What kind of tools do I need if I want to get started making wire wrapped jewelry?” I know it can be extremely overwhelming, and there are a lot of choices out there when it comes to jewelry pliers and tools. As you can see from the image below, the regular wire cutters are quite clunky – not ideal for fine wire work and you can probably see how the smaller, pointed tips of the flush cutters on the right are more suited for making precision cuts in tight spaces. Here are some basic tools for wire wrapping jewelry, all tools that I use every time I make this kind of handcrafted jewelry at home. How to Wire Wrap a Cute Cat above Stones for Pendants. Wire wrapping is actually one of the oldest techniques used in the crafting of handmade jewelry. I hope you found this helpful in helping you figure out what you need to get started making wire wrapped jewelry! In this video, I show you those three essential wire wrapping tools, and give you some tips for things to look for when you’re choosing your pliers and cutters. I cut approximately 16" to 17" for my…. There was an error submitting your subscription. I also like to choose a pair of chain nose pliers that are nice and fine at the tip so I can use them in tight spaces (such as tucking in ends of wire after completing a wire wrapped loop). These tools can be purchased together as a set*, or they can be purchased individually. Other types of cutters leave a ‘bur’ on the end of the wire on both sides of the cut, and they also don’t allow you to get right up close to the work to cut exactly where you want to cut. by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com Wire Jewelry Tip for August 25th, 2017 Make perfect loops settings for your projects with skewers! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. When choosing a pair of flush cutters, I recommend looking for a pair with a finely pointed tip like the ones in the image below (on the right) so you can clip right up next to the wire after wrapping. Purchasing through them supports this blog at no extra cost to you. Just keep in mind the less expensive ones tend to wear out more quickly and may not be as comfortable to hold. Chain nose pliers have tapered ends that are flat and smooth on the inside edges. It comes in various materials, gauges and strengths, and choosing what you need can be a bit overwhelming. All the products with special design and strict quality management, which are praised by our customers. I have a new tutorial for you. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your tools when you’re just starting out, especially if you don’t think you’ll be using your tools a whole lot. Flush cutters leave one side of the wire with a flat cut, which is ideal in many jewelry making techniques. Please try again. Free jewelry tutorials, plus a friendly community sharing creative ideas for making and selling jewelry. It is important NOT to use pliers that have ridges in them, as these will leave marks on and damage your wire as you work. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. All you will need is some 0.4mm and 0.8mm wire, plus a selection of beads ... To determine the length of 0.8mm wire to cut, measure your wrist for size, plus add on about an inch and then double that amount and that is your measurement to cut. You'll need to click the link in your email to view the first video. I'd like to receive the free email course. You can always upgrade later if you find your tools are wearing out too quickly or you are using them frequently and finding them too uncomfortable to use so often. *Please note that sets will often have a 4th set of pliers, usually another pair of chain nose or bent chain nose pliers – it comes in handy to have a second pair of chain nose pliers for opening and closing jump rings. These three essential wire wrapping tools mentioned in the video are: round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and flush cutters. My FREE Online Wire Wrapping Workshop is designed for the total beginner or anyone struggling with the techniques, to get you making beautiful, professionally finished wire wrapped jewelry in no time! As with the round nose pliers, it’s important to choose a pair of chain nose pliers that will fit comfortably in your hand, so take into consideration the length of the handles as well as the material the handles are made of. If you're feeling a bit rusty after the long summer break, I've put together a simple bangle project that should get your fingers back into creative action! Start by cutting a piece of your 20-gauge wire and a much longer piece of your 26-gauge wire. Free jewelry tutorials and resources for jewelry business or hobby! As mentioned above, regular wire cutters cut in a way that leaves a bur on both sides of the wire, compared to the way flush cutters cut. © 2020 Jessica Barst •JewelryTutorialHQ.com• A division of Southern Fried Genius, LLC. I will provide several options below: Round nose pliers have tapered cone-shaped jaws and are used for forming loops and making curves in wire. Click here to learn more about my >> Wire Wrapping for Beginners << online course! Copper wire is the most common and affordable option, so it is perfect for beginners. This form collects information we will use to send you updates about promotions, special offers, and news. In a pinch, I’ve found that small wooden skewers are perfect for making consistent loops in such projects [...]. Chain nose pliers should not be used for making loops. But the good news is, you really only need 3 tools to be able to get started making wire jewelry and performing all the basic wire wrapping techniques! Also consider getting a pair that has soft cushioned handles instead of hard rubber or plastic handles. March 15, 2015 by Jessica Barst 3 Comments.