Making Perfect Wire Loops

Making wire loops is a useful skill, especially if you run out of eye pins or enjoy creating bead and wire chains.

I prefer using combination pliers for loops. One jaw is round like a round-nose plier, and the other is flat and pointed like a chain-nose plier. This allows me to work quickly when making multiple beaded chain components without switching tools.

If you don't have combination pliers, you can use a pair of round-nose pliers and a pair of chain-nose pliers instead.

Step 1: Grasp the very tip of the wire with your round-nose pliers, or with combination pliers, against the flat jaw. Align the tip as closely as possible to the outside edge of the pliers.

Step 2: Begin to roll the wire around the round jaw of the pliers. Go past the tail of the wire so that the loop overlaps on itself very slightly.

Step 3: If you're not using combination pliers, pick up chain-nose pliers, grasp the inside of the loop near the base, and make a 90 degree bend. If you are using combination pliers, shift your view to see the base of the loop and make a 90 degree bend over the chain-nose jaw.

Step 4: Remove the pliers and trim a tiny bit from the tip of the loop with flush cutters. Use your pliers to adjust the loop closure as needed.

For more consistent loops, mark your round-nose pliers with a permanent marker and use it as a guide for turning wire.

Ta-da! With practice, you'll be creating perfectly sized, consistent loops for your wire jewelry projects in no time.