Free Pattern: Coiled End Caps

by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for June 3rd, 2016

Coiled End Caps

by Judy Larson

Today’s free pattern is a follow up from  a previous post called Charting Your Creations where Judy shared several helpful wire charts for creating this pattern- this is the pattern that we referred to in the post.

Judy Says:

Not having end caps to finish a project should not stop you. Try these versatile and easy to make end caps.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials:

• 24 gauge dead soft round wire
• 20 gauge dead soft round wire

Tools:

• Flat and round nose pliers
• Soft jaw pliers
• Flush cutter
• 000 knitting needle or small bamboo skewer
• Mandrel a bit smaller than the diameter of the Viking Knit Chain

Instructions:

Step 1: Using 24 gauge wire, make two coils 2 1/2″ long each on a mandrel no smaller than a 000 knitting needle (shown) but not a mandrel larger than a bamboo skewer. Hint: Starting with a 1″ wire tail keeps the wire coil stable when wrapping. Make the coil a bit longer than needed and then cut it to length.

 

Step 2: For a tight fitting end cap, the mandrel you choose for the next step should be slightly smaller than the final hole you pulled the chain through since the wrapping will spring out a bit. For instance, if your chain was drawn down to 13/64″, the mandrel could be 3/16″. If your chain was drawn down to 1/4″, the mandrel could be 7/32″. Of course, you could use the same size mandrel as the hole and the end cap would have a loose fit.

Step 3: For this step, you must work from the spool of the 20 gauge wire. Pull off and straighten about 12″ of wire. Slide one of the coils on the wire. Flush cut the wire end and spiral it until it is the size of the diameter of the mandrel.

Step 4: Hold the spiral on the mandrel. Wind the wire around the mandrel four times, keeping the wraps as close together as possible.

Step 5: Push the 21/2″ coil tightly against the mandrel and continue coiling, keeping the coiled wire wraps as close together as possible.

Step 6: Cut the 20 gauge wire off 3/4″ from the wire coil. Spiral this wire up tightly to the wire coil.  Optional: Leave the wire long. Push the end of the wire through Viking Knit chain or Kumihimo braid. Pull tight. Push the wire back through, pulling tight. Trim the wire off as close to or into the chain or knit.

Step 7: Push the end cap to the end of the mandrel. Push the top end spiral down over the top of the mandrel. You may need to push the mandrel down on the table to get the coil to nestle inside the coil.

Step 8: Repeat for the other end cap.

Step 9: Check the fit on the Viking Knit chain. If it is too loose, you can slide the cap on a smaller mandrel and gently tighten the lower coiled section.

Step 10: Leave the end caps plain or use your imagination and dress them up with beads.

Download the following charts  or  make your own to help keep track of wire types and lengths used in your creations.

CoiledWireGauge

VikingKnitGauges

 

To see more tips from Judy – CLICK HERE!

Happy Wrapping!

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2 Comments

1. 

   DeLane Cox

   June 3, 2016 at 7:43 am

   Judy,

   Love this one! Question: do you think it could be adapted to fit leather or braided necklace ends as well? I don’t do Viking knit chain, but do use leather and ribbons and braided cords frequently and this would make a lovely end piece.
   • 

     Judy Larson

     June 6, 2016 at 5:52 am

     Yes, you can adapt this for leather, ribbons, kumihimo, etc. I have even used it with several chains bunched together. It is quite versatile.