How To Wire Wrap A Bead

Wire wrapping a bead is a simple wire wrapping technique but just needs a little perseverance to produce neat and consistent results.

Once mastered you will be able to create a wide range of beautiful gemstone jewellery. 

The following step by step instructions shows how to create this technique which is particularly suited to using with gemstone beads that have small holes. This is because the 0.3mm (28 gauge) wire is very fine and flexible and is great for wire wrapping. 

However, you can create the same effect with larger holed beads and thicker wire, it will just be a little more difficult! We recommend starting small so that you can master the technique with ease.

Tools Needed

• Side cutters
• Round nose pliers
• Snipe nose pliers

Components Needed

• Metal wire - 0.3mm, check the wire will fit through your chosen bead
• Gemstone bead

Step 1

Cut a length of wire approximately 10cm long (it is easier to have a little extra wire than you will actually use, as it gives you more to hold onto whilst wrapping). Slip your bead onto the wire, leaving approximately 2cm at one end (the other end will be longer).

Step 2

Pinch both ends of the wire together at the top of the bead. Check that the bead is centered.

Step 3

Cut off the end of the short side of the wire using side cutters, so that it is only about 2-3mm above the bead.

Step 4

Next form a loop with the longer side of wire by bending it to a right angle and wrapping it around the tip of your round nose pliers. Make sure the loop is above the end of the short side of the wire and center of the bead.

Step 5

Using snipe nose pliers, hold the loop flat between the tips. Take the long length of wire between your fingers and hold it taught. Start wrapping it around the stem of the wires - starting at the base of the loop and working down towards the bead. Make sure that each wrap sits neatly and close to the last.

Step 6

When you reach the top of the bead trim the end neatly with side cutters. If there is a sharp end left, bend it gently with the snipe nose pliers so that it sits flat and is tucked neatly away.

Finished!

Your wrapped bead is now finished and ready to incorporate into a beautiful jewellery design. Remember that this technique takes practice (and a little patience) to master. So persevere if it doesn't look as you wanted on your first attempt or experiment with the technique until you find a way that works for you.

Once you have mastered this technique you will find it useful for many different beading projects. Wire wrapped beads like this can be attached with a jump ring to a section of chain and made into drop earrings and pendants or attached to a bracelet to make charms - the possibilities are endless!

For any further advice regarding the contents on this page or for any other general jewellery making enquires, please feel free to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

METAL WIRE

Choose from our selection of metal wire to use in your wire work designs! Including plated, sterling silver, 9ct gold, copper, brass and more.

In this tutorial we've used 0.3mm sterling silver wire.

GEMSTONE BEADS

You will need a gemstone bead! We have so many beautiful beads to choose from in a range of gemstones in many shapes and sizes to choose from.

In this tutorial, we've used a pretty apatite bead.

JEWELLERY MAKING PLIERS

This tutorial requires a few pliers to complete the look including round nose pliers, snipe nose pliers and side cutters. All of these are available individually or in our popular pack of pliers.