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: $4.20
  • Gold Club Price: $3.15
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!