One of the first things you’ll need to know in jewelry making is how to wire wrap a head pin. This DIY jewelry tutorial will show you how.
Have you ever made your own jewelry? I love to make my own jewelry, and the best part is you can make it at a fraction of the cost.
Today I am going to go over one of the basics of jewelry making. How to wire wrap a head pin on a bead so you get the nice loop on the top.
It is pretty easy, but it takes a little bit of practice to get it down.
There are three tools that I use to wire wrap:
To wire wrap, you will need both hands, and since I don’t have 3 hands I will show you what it looks like after you complete each step.
Start with your head pin and bead or beads. Feel free to stack the beads on the pin before wrapping.
Put the head pin through the center of the bead.
Push bead to the bottom of the head pin. Using Round Nose Pliers bend the pin 90 degrees.
With thumb and forefinger grab the wire and pull up and around the top nose of the pliers.
Remove the wire from the top nose of the pliers and put the loop over the bottom nose. With the chain nose pliers grab the wire and wrap it tightly around the bottom nose.
Keep the loop on the bottom nose and grab the wire end with the chain nose pliers and tightly wrap the wire around itself under the loop. Cut off the excess wire as closely as you can. (My round nose pliers also cut. If yours don’t you will need wire cutting pliers as well.)
Use the crimping pliers to tuck the end of the wire into the wrap and your bead is ready to be added to your jewelry project.
I know this looks like a lot to do for one bead but after some practice this whole process will take you less than 30 seconds. Making your own jewelry really doesn’t take too long and it is fun to watch it all come together.
Stay tuned and I will show you the jewelry that I made using this Wire Wrap a Head Pin Loop technique.
Ornate Splendor says
July 9, 2013 at 11:49 pmThank you for this. Very helpful! Will definitely use this next time. Catherine
Cher-Ann Texter says
July 11, 2013 at 2:01 pmThank you for sharing! I wanted to add loops to crystals for chandeliers and appreciate you showing me how!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C
[email protected]'s Mansion says
July 11, 2013 at 3:05 pmthanks for sharing mine never look like that and you’ve just cleared up where I am going wrong
Onellyantie Chuah says
October 8, 2013 at 12:11 pmThanks a lot for this tutorial! I’ve been trying to DIY my own accessories but having problem with securing the wire 🙂
Ruth Willis says
March 12, 2014 at 6:07 pmI looked at three different videos and was going crazy! I couldn’t get it until I go here and I was able to do it! OK, it wasn’t perfect, but it gave me hope!!
Katie Adams says
March 13, 2014 at 7:33 amI am so glad you found my tutorial helpful!
Cheryl says
May 30, 2014 at 10:07 pmNice and simple, I will try this method, use a few other techniques, but this seems real simple to follow.
Kathi Riemer says
July 1, 2014 at 5:03 pmYou make it look so easy!! Mine never look like this. Maybe I need more practice. Thank you for sharing.
Jill Morgenstern says
July 8, 2014 at 5:08 amI need to try this again sometime. It always looks so much easier than it really is!
Laura says
July 8, 2014 at 9:24 pmThanks for linking up to The Creative Exchange, Katie! I featured your project this week. xo, Laura
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
July 8, 2014 at 9:55 pmThis is such a great tip! I love how pretty the bead looks after adding this detail. Thanks so much for sharing at this week’s Project Inspire{d} ~ pinned!
Ricki @ The Questionable Homesteader says
July 11, 2014 at 8:13 amJust wanted to stop by and let you know that I am featuring your tutorial on The Weekend Social #28
Feel free to stop by and grab a button
Shanice says
July 15, 2014 at 7:39 amGreat tip! Thank you for sharing this post at City of Creative Dream’s City of Links on Friday! I appreciate you taking the time to party with me. Hope to see you again this week 🙂
Rhondda Mol says
July 20, 2014 at 6:29 pmCongratulations! How to Wire Wrap A Head Pin Loop was one of my picks at the PIN-spiration Link Party! Thank you for linking up 🙂 Rhondda
LindaB says
February 11, 2016 at 12:21 amI had to thank you for a terrific tutorial. I am new to beading and even watching multiple videos on this topic I just didn’t get it, BUT within 10 minutes I had a perfectly wrapped pin, I’m very excited! I know this post is old, but wanted to say thanks regardless 🙂
Katie says
February 11, 2016 at 7:34 amThank you LindaB. I am so glad that I was able to help.
Stacy says
April 10, 2017 at 6:08 pmThank you for sharing this. The images make it much easier to help people understand. I sometimes find pictures easier to follow than videos. I hope you don’t mind but I shared your instructions on my blog. Thank you Stacy xx