Craft Wire
From wire crochet and knitting with the 0.2mm size to stone wrapping with the larger 0.8mm wire, here at The Bead Shop we have a full range of common wire sizes for all projects. Choose a brightly coloured wire to add an extra splash of vibrancy to your piece. You can even make your own findings with craft wire for bespoke pieces that are sure to delight. Have a look at our full range of wires, below.
What Is Craft Wire?
Craft wire (also known as crafting wire or jewellery wire) is a flexible metal alloy wire used to create jewellery designs, and comes in many colours, shapes and thicknesses. Some common uses for craft wire are making earrings, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and pendants.
What Is Craft Wire Made Out Of?
Craft wire is usually made from copper or aluminium. Copper Craft wire is very soft, which makes it simple to work with, but it won't keep its form and can't be work-hardened easily without compromising part of the outer coating. Copper craft wire shouldn't be hammered, sanded, or filed for the same reason; once bent, it shouldn't be unbent either. Therefore, it has limited applications for wire working and may be rather difficult for a novice since it is completely unforgiving of errors.
Copper is usually sold in coils. These coils come in various lengths and thicknesses, commonly referred to as wire gauges.
Aluminium wire is strong, light, and flexible, making it simple to form. It is available in a variety of hues with an enamel coating or in its original silver tone. It has significant restrictions due to the fact that aluminium jewellery wire is often extremely soft.
What Is Craft Wire Best Used For?
Craft wire is best used to create jewellery pieces. It is sturdy enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. It is also malleable enough to allow you to work with it comfortably.
When it comes to building up your own jewellery-making toolkit, jewellery wire is an absolute must. A highly versatile material, it can be used for an extensive range of projects.
What Types of Craft Wire Are There?
There are two primary types of craft wire to choose from:
Non Tarnish Craft Wire is made up of 99.9% copper and has a baked-on nylon coating which protects the colour and gives the finished product a non-tarnish quality. It can be hammered, moulded or looped without any damage to the plating and can be incorporated with anything from Semi Precious beads to Shamballa Beads.
The second option, Plated Craft Wire, is particularly ideal for the novice jewellery maker as it’s easy to use and incredibly affordable, so if you make any mistakes along the way, there’s no need to worry.
Don't forget coloured craft wire! This can really bring your pieces to life and, if teamed with semi-precious stones or beads, it could even be the main focal point. Whether you want to create your own jump rings or chokers, craft wire is the perfect basis for all your jewellery-making needs.