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Daily Wire Tip March 13: Planning Wire Length

By on March 13, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 13, 2010

Question:

I measure the amount of wire I need for a 7″ bracelet, but after it is done it ends up as a 5-6″ bracelet. Am I wrapping the bundles to tight?

Answer:

Without knowing exactly what style of bracelet is giving you this challenge, I can only give a general answer. If you are incorporating beads that are large around or very long, these can take up some of the inside dimension. While planning the wire lengths, are you taking into account the length of these wires that will be folded under or curled to finish the ends? Whereas you have already made a bracelet, try using it as a prototype; by measuring the wire lengths used for the above techniques and adding that number to your desired finished size, and then make another one, writing down ‘your own’ new bracelet formula.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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3 Comments

  1. avatar

    Jim Meier

    March 14, 2010 at 12:15 am

    On Dale’s bracelet, I have noticed that if it is a larger stone like a 30×40 mm stone, the more you bring out the top and bottom sides to fit your stone, the length will shorten considerably. To compensate for this, start with longer shank wires to start with.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      March 14, 2010 at 12:07 pm

      Jim is referring to the bracelet on the cover of my book (inside of which are both the sizing formula and the complete directions).

  2. avatar

    mary

    March 16, 2010 at 11:47 am

    Like Dale and Jim, without knowing what type of bracelet you are attempting to make, the form of ending clasps, etc. it is hard to give you a direct answer. It sounds like you are definitely not taking into account the space that a stone or even beads can take up on your wires before binding.