Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / A Coiled Cold Connection

A Coiled Cold Connection

by Susan LeGuyader
I wanted to talk with you about joining soft materials such as leather and fabric to wire work. Or maybe joining it to other elements in design work. I don't know about you but I rarely have the manufactured finding for this. And since I love to make my own findings, I had to figure this out.
Instructions
In the past, I have just cut a straight pieces of wire and wrapped around the fabric (or leather) and tucked in the tail. Then I had the brilliant idea to use a piece of wire, balled on each end. Then there are no sharp ends sticking out, no injuries.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
First, cut a piece of wire long enough to do a complete wrap, then ball each end with a torch (using all safety precautions). Quench, dry, pickle if desired, file any rough ends and you are ready to use. I make a small bend at the end, giving me a good anchor point for my chain nose pliers.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
Start your wrap, as snuggly as you can, I like wrapping with my fingers.
When you come to the end of the coil, use chain nose pliers or a pair of parallel jaw pliers (these work best) to crimp down your coil. With the balled ends, you can tuck them tight to the coil or bend them up over the coil for a design element. Have fun with it, the possibilities are endless.

Thank you and have a great day creating!
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection

Materials

20 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-20D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.49
  • Gold Club Price: $0.37
Add to Bag
20 Gauge Round Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.84
  • Gold Club Price: $2.88
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black
TRCH-8010
  • TRCH-8010
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $40.00
  • Gold Club Price: $30.00
Add to Bag
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Coiling, General Education

Reviews

Login to post a Review
Login to be the first to review this Tip!