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Spiral Link Connector

By on October 7, 2015
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by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Patterns for October 7th, 2015

Spiral Link Connector

by Dawn Horner

Today I bring you a great beginner pattern by one of our latest contributors – Dawn Horner. (Note: This is not a pattern to show  you how to make the bracelet, but a pattern to show you how to make the connector. )

Dawn says:  “The Spiral Link component can be used in bracelets or neck chains paired with wire-wrapped beads or used alone connected by jump rings. Consider using them for simple earrings also with a crystal or bead dangling on one end and connecting ear wires to the other. Be warned, these can become addictive like potato chips, you can’t enjoy just a few!”

Enjoy!

Spiral Link Connector

spiralbracelet

Designed by Dawn Horner © 2015

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials

  • 18 gauge round dead soft wire

Tools

For each link cut 7 inches of 18 ga wire. This amount allows for a bit of extra wire to hold onto while forming the link. Once proficient in the action, you may be able to cut the wire slightly shorter. Start by closing 4 rings and opening 2 others.

Instructions:

  1. Cut 7 inches of 18 ga wire using flush cutters. Holding the wire horizontally, measure 2 inches in from the left tip (Tip A). Hold the wire at the 2 inch mark with round nose pliers and make a 90 degree bend by pushing the right side wire up against the pliers with thumb or fingers.
    Woven
    Line Break
  2. Still holding the wire with the round nose pliers, grasp the longer end that’s pointed upwards now (Tip B) and wrap it around the round plier end counterclockwise as far as able making a small loop.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  3. Hold the piece just in your non-dominant hand and continue to manually form a larger spiral counter clockwise by winding the wire around the initial loop for 2 more revolutions.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  4. End with wire Tip B pointed at a 90 degree angle to the initial first 2 inches Tip A. Measure and mark Tip B wire at 1/2 inch from spiral. Cut at the mark with flush cutters, keeping the flat side of the cutters towards the spiral piece, and the indented side of the cutters away from the work you are keeping.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  5. Using round nose pliers, grasp the tip you just cut at the end and roll in towards the spiral making a closed loop. The end of the wire should land flush against the side of the spiral.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  6. With the piece positioned as above, adjust the opposite end Tip A so it’s at a 90 degree angle to the spiral.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  7. Measure and mark this end the same as the prior one, 1/2 inch from center of spiral. Trim with flush cutters, flat side towards the spiral.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant
    Line Break
  8. Repeat rolling the trimmed end into a closed loop using the round nose pliers. This wire end will land against itself but slightly under the spiral formed. Woven
    Line Break
  9. If using bare copper or sterling silver, additional dimension in the link can be brought out by antiquing or tarnishing the piece using Liver of Sulfur solution. If you want a larger loop on either end of the spiral piece to accommodate bigger jump rings or connecting components, measure a bit more wire than 1/2 inch before trimming. Then roll with the round nose pliers a bit further down the plier making a larger loop.
    Woven Bail Donut Pendant

Congratulations! You’ve just made your first Spiral Link Connector !

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy tutorial from Dawn! Check back for more great tips or articles from our new contributors!

Happy Wrapping!

3 Comments

  1. avatar

    Cindy

    October 8, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    I am not a wire wrapper but this bracelet by Dawn Horner and Judy looks like perhaps I could do it after a few tries. I like the idea of making your own chain. This makes a big statement in jewelry designs. Thank you for the tip (pattern).
    Cindy

    • avatar

      Dawn

      October 14, 2015 at 9:47 am

      You’re welcome Cindy! Thanks for checking it out :-)
      -Dawn

  2. avatar

    Lynne

    October 21, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Thankyou I really enjoy the inspirations I receive with the various kinds of wire work. OOh just wish their was not such a big difference in our Aussie Dollar exchange rate, and on top the postage rate imposed. I would be able to purchase my wire and products required.
    Lynne