Free tutorial:

How to make a wrapped wire loop for jewelry making

Image showing the process of wrapping a wire loop on a bead link.

Do you want to learn how to make wrapped wire loops that look professional?

I guarantee you’ve never seen a tutorial quite like this for wire wrapping beads.

Skip to the free video tutorial
Get your free copy of the written instructions

This bead wrapping technique is known by many different names:

  • pigtail wire wraps
  • pigtail wrapped beads
  • wire wrapped beads
  • coiled loops
  • wrapped wire loop bead links

These are all different terms used to describe the wire loops on beads where the wire that formed the loop coils around itself near the bead.  When there is a loop on each end of a bead, it’s called a bead link. And it’s called a bead dangle when you use a head pin and there’s just one loop.

Wrapped wire loops create a permanent connection …

This loop style is a fabulous alternative for soldering, because it creates a permanent connection without the need for heat.  However, you’ll need to make a connection before you wrap the coil or use some strong jump rings to connect the loops to other items.  There’s a separate lesson inside the JCWJ Online Learning Center where I show how form the loops while connecting them to another loop.  But, in this tutorial we are keeping things as simple as possible so we can focus on the details of forming a well-crafted loop first.

What makes a wrapped wire loop look professional?

The top 3 criteria for a well-crafted wrapped loop are:

  • Consistent round loops
  • Even Spacing
  • Tight Coils
Image of a bead wrap in progress where the second loop is being formed using stepped pliers.
Consistent sized loops with a smooth round shape can be a bit elusive.

The use of stepped pliers – where there’s a flat side with a tapered tip and an opposing side with 3 segments of a round jaw with a consistent diameter – helps tremendously.  Loops formed on the same step (or segment) are generally uniform in size.  And you can learn to make loops with a true round shape with the forming technique in the tutorial below.

Learn more about stepped pliers
Even spacing on each end of the bead provides symmetry and conveys a purposeful approach.

You want to coil right up to the bead both for structural integrity and visual appeal.  So, the amount of space between the loop and the bead on each end should be equal to yield the same number of coils on each end.  You’ll see in the tutorial below, how I use my chain nose pliers to help measure the coil on the first end to create a similar space on the second.  Once you move beyond this initial lesson and practice forming, I encourage you to keep a log for the space needed for the specific wire gauge and the number of coils used.  (JCWJ Learning Center members have access to a great form for keeping track.) Having this reference will be super helpful when making bead dangles where there is no first coil/space to measure.

Image of the form provided to members of the JCWJ Online Learning Center for keeping track of the measurements used for various pigtail wire wrapped loops. For recording wire gauge, number of coils, space needed, loop size and more.
Tight coils are a traditional wrapped wire loop feature.

The phrase ‘tight coils’ infers two things: the wire being wrapped tightly around the core wire (no lumps or bumps), and a lack of gaps or spaces between the wire as it coils.  This is achieved with proper application of pressure and the angle of the wire you are using to coil.  While there’s a new movement to a “boho” style of wrapping where the coiling is purposely loose and messy, knowing how to achieve the traditional tight wraps will help improve your skills.  Armed with this knowledge, your wrapping style for each piece of jewelry you make will become a conscious design choice rather than a fallback position.  Again, these nuances are clearly pointed out in the tutorial below.

Watch this video tutorial and you’ll learn:

  • Which tool to use and where to grasp
  • Where and how the pressure should be applied
  • And how to get professional looking results with consistency

You’re going to be amazed with the in-depth insights and descriptions in this video!  I explain my process openly – there are no mysteries.  Every detail is painstakingly pointed out to be sure you’re not missing anything.

Why is this lesson free?

Wrapped wire loops are commonly used in jewelry making.  Yet, most makers don’t feel confident in the quality of their craftsmanship.  It’s no surprise, because the instruction available is often a bit vague.

As an instructor, I present an innovative approach for working with wire to make jewelry.  I’ve developed unique methods based on many years of trial and error. And my students achieve great results following my lessons.

There’s lots of instruction available for making jewelry online.  It’s hard to discern which instructors are offering lessons that are worth your time, effort, and money.

My goal is to offer you a valuable free lesson to showcase my unique approach and the quality of my instruction.  So, I selected a skill you’ve probably seen taught by other jewelry teachers to highlight the contrast.  I really think you will be blown away with the detail and in-depth explanations I offer.  And if you are impressed, perhaps that will persuade you to join the Jewelry Classes with Jen Online Learning Center and let me serve as your practical guide for making stylish silver (or copper) jewelry at home.

While this lesson presents a common wire wrapping skill with an innovative approach, my specialty as an instructor is helping makers improve their command over the metals.  By combining solid forming skills with measuring charts (or patterns), you’ll be crafting consistent wire jewelry components with ease before you know it.

Learn about our Signature Course - Measuring Charts Made Easy now!

Sign up for our emails and get your free copy of the Wrapped Wire Loop Instructions …

Interested in more pro-level tips about making jewelry with wire?

Check out these helpful articles … (many feature video demonstrations)

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