How to wire-wrap a bead pendant

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to wire-wrap a bead pendant.

Wire wrapping a bead is a simple and easy way to make a cute pendant which can be hung from a chain or cord.

I use 18 gauge wire and a 10mm bead but I encourage you to experiment with different sizes of wire and beads to achieve a slightly different look.

See the PRINTABLE version of this tutorial in my Wire-Wrapping Tutorials Bundle!!!

LEVEL: BEGINNER

Materials & Tools

1 – 14” piece of wire – 18 Gauge Round Wire
1 Bead (10-12 mm) with hole big enough for wire
Jump Ring
Needle Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters

Check out my PRINTABLE Wire-Wrapping Tutorials for Beginners in PDF Format

STEP 1

Cut 1 piece of wire – approximately 14” in length. This will give you lots of wire to work with.

Position your needle nose pliers approximately 4-5” from the top as shown in pic.

How to wire wrap a bead pendant — Step 1

STEP 2

Make a bend in the wire.

STEP 3

Position your round nose pliers as shown in pic.

Please note that where you place your wire on the pliers determines the size of the loop at top of pendant (bail size)

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STEP 4

Wrap the short end up & around the top barrel of the round nose pliers.

Form a loop around the barrel.

STEP 5

Here is what the loop should look like. This will be the bail of the pendant.

Note: The “bail” is used to suspend the pendant on a necklace. For this type of bail, you’ll need a jump ring in order to hang from cord or chain.

STEP 6

Position your needle nose pliers over loop as shown in pic. This is to keep the wire steady for the next step. The “short end” wire should be crossing over the bottom longer wire.

(If you have nylon jaw pliers, use those instead. It will prevent any scratching to the wire).