Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry. As Dale
Cotter Pin Link
by Albina Manning
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Wrapping
  • Skill Level: Beginner
As Dale "Cougar" Armstrong always tells me, the best way to display, sell, and wear your work, is on your work! I hope you enjoy learning to make this Cotter Pin Link. A single link can be used in areas where something more secure than a jump ring is needed, like attaching a trigger clasp. My pattern shows the finished project as a bracelet; however, you can make the chain longer either to hang a pendant on, or just wear it as a necklace. You could even make this chain into the focal design by hanging special headpin charms from it!

Materials

20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 27.50 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $14.25
  • Gold Club Price: $10.68
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Jump Ring 20 gauge 10mm or 12mm OD Sterling Silver
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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Tools

6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $18.95
  • Gold Club Price: $14.21
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Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler
G7-30
  • G7-30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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Instructions
Step 1
For each link, straighten, measure, and cut 1½" (4cm) of wire. Place the center of the wire across the 5mm jaw of pliers.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 2
Bend both ends of the wire equally around the 5mm jaw, until they pass each other. Make sure that both of the wire ends are the same length.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 3
Use flat nose pliers to grasp one wire at the intersection, and bend the wire out, away from the circle, at a 90° angle.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 4
Repeat step 3 on the other wire, bending so both wire ends are parallel to each other. If the wire ends are not the same length, trim the longest.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 5
Working with both wire ends as though they were one wire, place the 2mm jaw on their ends and roll them completely around, until they meet the bottom of the circle, forming an eyelet.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 6
Create the next link: repeat steps 1 through 4 (but not 5!).
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 7
Slide the eyelet of the first completed link onto one leg of the cotter pin shape.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 8
Repeat step 5, making an eyelet on the new link.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 9
Continue working in the same manner, creating and connecting links until the chain is your desired length. Using the measurements provided in this pattern, 8 links = 3". When the chain is as long as you wish, simply add a jump ring to the last link.
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,
Step 10
Now, attach your Hook. If you are planning to make the hook in the video instead of using a purchased hook, start making it now. Stop when you have made your first loop with round nose pliers (2:05 in the video). Slide your first Cotter Pin Link onto the loop of the hook, then wrap the loop closed, with the link inside the loop. Finish making the hook. Now, admire your new chain, necklace, or bracelet!
Albina Manning's Cotter Pin Link - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,