Sizing a Bracelet

by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for April 1st, 2016

Sizing a Bracelet

by Marilyn Gardiner

Today’s quick tip comes to us from Marilyn Gardiner about sizing a bracelet for a “distant” relative, friend or customer…

Marilyn Says:

If you want to make a chain mail bracelet for your sister (mother, friend, customer…) who doesn’t live nearby, what measurement should they send you?

I would ask them to use a tape measure around their wrist, holding it a bit loose to mimic the amount of looseness they prefer for their bracelets, and record that measurement.

Now, how can you make your chain mail bracelet so it will fit their wrist?

Well, if you make the length to match the distance around their wrist, you know it will likely be too short.

So, how much longer should it be? If you are making a thin, flat chain, the final length will be shorter that if you are making a fat, chunky one! This is because it’s the inner diameter of the bracelet that counts.

The solution is to use The EZ Bracelet Sizer. This “tool” comes as a flat piece of flexible plastic that assembles to form a cone that is labeled with wrist measurements.

EZ Sizer Bracelet Mandrel

EZ Sizer Bracelet Mandrel Mini

(You can find both of these great tools on our sister site – JewelryTools.com)

Just slide the finished bracelet onto the cone to read the inner diameter of the bracelet.

The EZ bracelet Sizer comes full size or in a Mini Travel Size. I prefer the Mini—it measures from 5 inches through to 9 inches, which is what I need.

Don’t forget you can also use a Round Smooth Bracelet Mandrel or Round Step Mandrel as well if you have one on hand.

I hope this quick tip helps you keep get your bracelets sized the first time!

Happy Wrapping!

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2 Comments

1. 

   Jana

   April 1, 2016 at 5:31 am

   This is a wonderful site! I’m pretty new at these tips are often times something I don’t know. Thank you.
   Jana
2. 

   Jana

   April 1, 2016 at 5:34 am

   these tips are often things I haven’t thought of, so they’re very helpful.
   Thanks for taking the time to show how to’s,