Which Wire Should I Use to Make My First Bracelet
Question:
I'm a little confused about the best gauge to use to make wire sculpted bracelets. Your CDs state 21-24 GA half round half-hard, other books say start with 16 GA half-round, or square half-hard wire. Which should I use as a beginning wire sculptor to make my first bracelet? And which is the best gauge wire to do the wraps? I tried to use silver 21 and 24 gauge, but they are too thin and soft.
I'm a little confused about the best gauge to use to make wire sculpted bracelets. Your CDs state 21-24 GA half round half-hard, other books say start with 16 GA half-round, or square half-hard wire. Which should I use as a beginning wire sculptor to make my first bracelet? And which is the best gauge wire to do the wraps? I tried to use silver 21 and 24 gauge, but they are too thin and soft.
Instructions
Answer:
I'd love to answer your question precisely, but without more details, I'll share my experience with traditional wire wrapping techniques.
I don't recommend soft or dead soft wire for bracelets unless you're sculpting and even then, only in certain areas.
Bracelets get a lot of wear, so they need to be strong.
My students, faculty, and I use half-hard square wire for 95% of our bracelet designs.
We often adapt other designers' patterns by changing the wire to suit our preferences, with great results.
Most bracelet patterns work well with 21 or 22 gauge half-hard square wire, including secure wraps that won't slip or slide.
For a more masculine look, 20 gauge is a strong, heavy option.
Designs calling for half-round wire wraps can usually be adapted to use square half-hard wire instead.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
I'd love to answer your question precisely, but without more details, I'll share my experience with traditional wire wrapping techniques.
I don't recommend soft or dead soft wire for bracelets unless you're sculpting and even then, only in certain areas.
Bracelets get a lot of wear, so they need to be strong.
My students, faculty, and I use half-hard square wire for 95% of our bracelet designs.
We often adapt other designers' patterns by changing the wire to suit our preferences, with great results.
Most bracelet patterns work well with 21 or 22 gauge half-hard square wire, including secure wraps that won't slip or slide.
For a more masculine look, 20 gauge is a strong, heavy option.
Designs calling for half-round wire wraps can usually be adapted to use square half-hard wire instead.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
(Pictured is the All Wire Unisex Bangle on DVD 1 Beginner Series.)
Materials
22 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-22SQH
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22 Gauge Square Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-22SQH
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18 Gauge Round Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-18D
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Tools
Entire Beginner Series with Bonus DVDs
DVD-BEGset
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Beginner Series - Part 1
DVD-BEG1
- DVD-BEG1
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Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
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Round Nose Wire Pliers
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Premium Steel Bracelet Mandrel - Oval
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
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- Category: Classic
- Technique(s): Wrapping
Dale Armstrong
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